


TANNWALD 



A DRAMA 



JOHN S. HITTELL, 

Author of "The Resources of CaUfornia," " A Brief History of Culture," Etc. 



San Francisco: 

Alta California Print, 529 California Street, 

1878. 



I 



TANNWALD 



JOHN S. HITTELL, 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1877, by John S. Hittell, in the office of the 
Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



San Francisco: 
Alta California Print, 529 California Street, 

JS78. 



// 






n 




TMP96-0 Jb^2 




T^NN^^^ A.L13 . 



PBSFACB, 

Why is it that no play foundacl upon Goeths'a " Faust " 
has had any notable success savs such as could be given to 
it by fine music or scenic effects ? The story of Margaret 
is one of the most tragic ever written ; Mephistopheles is 
a brilliant character ; the dialogue is remarkably eloquent, 
witty and poetical ; the piece, though not prepare:! for the 
etage by the author, is dramatic in its form, and seems to 
furnish almost unequalled material for playwrights ; and 
jet, Ef ter a hundred have tried it, the successful one is 
Btill to be found. Not having examined their com- 
positions, I shall not undertake to criticise them, 
but so fdr as I know anything of them, all give prominence 
to Mephistopheles, the supernatural and the scenic effects, 
and I have made another attempt, excluding everything 
but the human characters and natural influeuces, develop- 
ing some personages which are mentioned in the original, 
and adding others. Out of two dozen scenes, three-fourths 
are entirely my own. I do not publish "Tannwald" 
without at least partly appreciating its defects. I should 
have been glad to reduce the number of characters, and to 
give brilliancy and eloquence to ihe dialogue if I knew 
how. The translation of Margaret's song, "The King of 
Thule," is taken from an anonymous writer. H. 

Country — Austria. Time — In the Rsign of Charles V. 
Chakactees -Heney Fau3T, Professor in Vienna ; 
John Slack, his friend, and Cousin of Baroness 
- Both ; Mr. Albsbt, Faust's servant ; Count 
DiOK ; Msjor HoHENrHAL ; Captain Lovenstein ; 
Mr. Helfenstein, a barber ; Mabgabet Haktz, 
a village girl ; Mrs. Hartz, her mother ; Baeba- 
BA Makes, Margaret'^ cousin ; Mrs. Marks, Bar- 
bara's mother ; Mrs. Martha Sweelin, Mar- 
garet's cousin ; Mrs. Kline ; Mrs. Pbinz ; Miss 
Behs ; Miss Qbees ; Lina, Miss Bihr's servant ; 
Valentine, Margaret's brother ; Baron Rittee- 
STiHL ; Major Mxee ; Commissary Wetzel ; Sol- 
dierp. ; Paymaster Fdhb ; Lteut. Oaemony ; An- 
THiNY SwEBLiN, Ritterstahl's servant; Soldiers 
and Peasantti ; Baroness Roih, Lady of Tann- 
wald Castle. 

Act I. 
SCENE I— Room in Tannwald Castle. 
Baroness Roxa, Mr. Sl\ck, Count Dick, Captain 
Love "OSTEIN, M^jor HoHEsra.^L, AtiSSiir, Helf- 
EN3TEIN, and Oihers. 
Bakonbss — Cousin Slack, I fear that your friends- 
acoustomed as they are t) court life, will .ind it dull 
in Tannwald. 

Slack— These gentlemen are fond of the chase, 
and there is no better place for game than the moun- 
tains back of the Oa^tle. Xhs Baron bag already 



gone ^ith us to the stables and assigned oar horses 
to us. 

BAaoNES.o — What will become of Prof. Faust? 

Slack - Me can follow us in charge of a game- 
keeper, until he learns to ride. Then he can amuse 
himself fishing, and occasionally we will go down to 
the village and see itj attractions. 

BAE0KE9s_It has none. 

Slack _0, cousin, a lady is not supposed to know 
ail that attracts gentlemen. When I was here last 
Summer, I spent many hours there. Two dozen vil- 
lage oeauties want the attentions of men from the 
court. 

Baud NESS — They are poor people; we never asso- 
ciate with them. 

Slack — The young men can drink and sing ; the 
girls can dance and flirt. 

Count Dick_You are the man for us, Mr. Slack. 
Take ns among them. 

Baroness —If jou wish, I will sometimes Invite 
them to the Castle. 

Count Ciok -That would be still beltsr. Please 
do ; wa cmnoi) ride after the hounds every day. 

Slags — Tuey will be delighted to come, and we 
will have all the fun we want. 

BABONESS—Thea, in a couple of weeks, we will 
have a ball here. In the meantime, I wish you all 
to enjoy yourselves, and if anything is necessary to 
your comfort, tall me or the Baron or my cousin 
Slack, and it will be attended to. [Exit Baroness.'] 

Count Dick [TiJ Slack ] — As you have met these 
village girls, you must tell us about them. 

Slack _I have met only a few of them, but vil- 
lage girls are all alike ; they will drop their coun- 
try lovers as soon as they can have the attention ol 
men from the Court. I suppose you all know how 
to make love, and if you do, have only to take your 
choice ; you must not spare compliments, presents, 
promises or entreaties. That is a philoaopiiy that 
perhaps Prof. Faust could never learn. 

Albert I don't know about that. He says he is 
tired of his books. 

Slack — The more the merrier. All should join 
in, servants as well as masters. The servants are 
equal in rank to the villagers. But wa should 
observe the rule that there ia to be no competition. 
If one of oar narty shows a preference for a girl, the 
others should bestow their attentions elsewhere. 

Count Dick— Yon have already selettid the belle 
of the village, then? 

Slack —The rule U good on its merits as you will 
agree after a little experlenoe. There are enough 
pretty girls for all the gentlemen of the party. The 
servants must permit me to select Che ladles to 
whom they can pay attention so as to avoid any 
clashing. 

Ooxjs-c DioK -Yoa evidently understand this thing. 



Sjjlok -Tea, I bave seen It before- 
OoOiiT DioK— We trust everything to yonr msnage- 
ment. 

SCENE II — Mrs. Habtz's Honge. Mrs. Habiz, aod 
Mrs. Mabes. 

Mbs. JIabes— Have yoa beard of tbe visitors from 
VleDoa. 

Wbs. Habtz— No. 

Mbs. Mabks —About a dczen gentlemen bave come 
to spend a montb or two atTannwald. 

Mas, Habtz —Wbat kind of people are thej ? 

Mbs. MiEKS-Tbey belong to tbe Court and stop 
at tbe castle. One of tbem is Mr. Slack, tbocoueia 
of tbe Baroness ; he was at tbe castle last Sumnaer 
for a wbile. 

Kr3. Haetz— l3 he tbo young fellow that was at- 
tentive to Barbara? 

Mbs. Maeks - Tbe same one. And then there is 
the Baron's boy, the Page of tbe Archduchess. 
They watt to g' t him transferred to the service of 
the Empress, and are trying to make friends for 
bim. And some of these people have icfinence. 
There's a Professor, and a Count, and jeversl offi- 
cers from tbe Army. 

Mbs. Haetz -Weil, I suppose they will net notice 
the villagers ? 

Me3. MARKS_Oh, yes they will. The Baroness 
met Barbara out walking, and was very civil to her, 
and invited her to the castle and told her to bring 
her friends along. 

Mas. Haetz— It ia tbe first time that she ever 
epoke politely to anybody that did not belong to tbe 
Couitor the Nobility. You will not let Barbara go ? 

Mrs. Mabks — Ceitainly I will. 

Mk3. Hartz As soon as tbe visitors leave, tbe 
Baron and Baronses will be the same as before. 

Mrs. Maeks _I don't care for that. 

Mbs. Haeiz — I would. There is no good from 
trying to associate with people so much above you, 

Mbs. Masks— Barbara lived in the castle at Lin- 
dengau for a while, and she knows as much and has 
as good manners as these Court people, and she is 
just as good as they are, if she is poor. So long as 
ttie Baroness seeks her company, I shan't objsct. 
The Baroness «poke to Barbara of Margaret and 
wanted her to come, too. 

Mbs. Habtz _I do not like tbe idea of girls so 
young going to balls. 

Mbs. Marks — We went when we were young. 

Mbs. Har]Z— I have not forgotten; but that's 
where I learned the danger. 

Mrs. Mabk3 — Margaret must get accustomed to 
society. 

Mbs. Haetz— She sees enough of society now. 
She visits yonr house and Mrs. Swerlin's and goes to 
church every Sunday. 

Mbs. Mabks — Let her become acquainted with the 
ladies and gentlemen of the Court. Let her sea how 
the Court ladies act and dress. 

Mb3, Haetz— Margaret is a poor girl and would be 
made miserable by the insolence and Que dresses 
and jewelry of tbe Court ladies. 

Mas. Maeks— She would make them miserable 
with her fine face. 

MBi. Haetz -I want her to be contented with her 
bumble station in life. 

Mb?. Marks- Tou may make her discontented by 
your strictness. Will you not let Margaret go, then? 

Mas. Habtz — I do not like t3 let two such young 

girls go witbout any older person to look after them. 

[A Icnock at the door.] 

Mbs, Habtz -.Come ia. 



Unter Mrs. Swerlin. 

Mas. MAEK3— We were talking about tbe ball. 

Mbj. Swbblin— The Baroness caoae to see me, 
though she never spoke to me before and invited 
me to come and bring Margaret. 

Mb"?. Habtz— Do you intend to go? 

Mas. SwEELiN — The Baroness was very urgent, 
and I promised to come if I could get either 
Margaret or Barbara to come with me. 

Mrs. Habtz _l suppose I will have to let Margaret 
go if you will keep constant charge of her and 
Barbara. 

Mbs. Sterlin-I will. 

Mbs. Habtz —Have you beard of your husband 
lately. 

Me3, 8wERi,iN_Not since he was wounded in the 
ba tie near Pariua, six months ago. 

Mrs. HABiz—Will it look well for yon to go to & 
ball? 

Mrs. SwEBLiN— I can't stay away for that. It 
will be bad enough to sSiut myself up when I know 
that he Is dead ; he has been wounded several times 
before, acd always got well. He never sends any 
word to me, and when I hear from him it is only by 
accident. Ttie wives of other soldiers often get 
letters. If Attiony intends to Ije a soldier all his 
life, and act this way, it don't matter much to mo 
whether he is alive or dead. 
SCENE III- Street in Tannwald. Sunday, near the 

church doors. 
Slack, Faust, afterward MAaaAEEi and Mrs. 

SWBBLIN. 

Fafst — Your friends in Tannwald are very kind 
to me. 

Slack — They do not often see people from Vienna. 
They have great respect for you. They Qlmost 
tremble when they talk to you. A famous Professor 
is something godlike, in their opinion. 

Faust —1 remember well what an awe I had of 
the Professors when I first entered college. I never 
looked at one without seeing a halo of glory aboub 
big head, in my imagination. A Professor; a man 
that had written a book ; I considered myself as a 
mure worm by his side. Evan the senior students 
shared something of t'ae almost divine majesty, as 
it appeared in my mind. The better I knew them, 
tho less I revered them, and when 1 became a Pro- 
fessor, I could not but laugh at the awe of the young 
stuients, who, however impudent among their asso- 
ciates, are terrified when I look at them sternly. 

Slack _I think it is a wise rale of the University 
that the Professors must not put themselves on a 
level w;tt» tbe common people. 

Faust -I do not ; but I am not a Professor here. 
I came here for enjoyment, and want to drop dignity. 
I have made a fool of myself Dy ependina all my Ufa 
among booka. I hope to see more of jovial company 
hereafter, 

tLACK— You will be welcome everywhere. 

Faust - A succession of peculiar accidents haa 
made a recluse of me since my childhood. 

Si.iCK —You have a reputation for sanctity as well 
as for learning. 

FAUiT— It is the sanctity imagined by ignorance 
and folly. I supposed that the only enjoyment of 
life was in baoks. I know all that thei-e is in tbem, 
and tiat much in them is false. They pratand to 
give man the truth, and tie him up in a net of lies. 
I am tired of metaphjsios, tired of seclusion, tired 
of celibicy. 

Slack - Of celibicy I You know t^at the grsE* 
Professors are sometimes made Cardinals ; and whea 
they talked of giving you the title of Eminence, it 
eld not displease yon. 



Fatjst— No. It did not ; bnt it wos only talk, and 
I do not feel like waiting. I almost donbt If I would 
accept a Cardinal's tiat to-day. 

Slack — The talk was very serions. I Iieard the 
Archduke Otinrlea Bay the Emperor wanted fie icfl'i- 
enoe which your learning and eloquence would exer- 
oiae at liome. 

Faost— And how much happier would I be for 
that? I would like the power of a OiTdinal at 
Vienna ; but at Borne, unless there were a good pros- 
pect to be Pope, I would not give a Bg for it. Be- 
sides, I have no faith. I should have a better t'me 
living on the estate of my ftt ler, the other side of 
younder mountain, with a wife and children. I am 
not lit to live the life of a mock any locger. Look 
at that girl— ,1 would like such a young woman for a 
Wife. [Enter Margaret ani Mrs Siverlin.] 

Slack — I can make you acquaitt'd with her. 

FAVax— She is beautiful, and carries herself well. 

Slack- She is the pr;de of the town. She has a 
brave heart, and is an excellent housekeeper and 
nurse. When the plague was here, two years ago, 
though she was very young, she faced the danger 
everywhere, and saved several lives and mitigated 
much suffering. Besides, she has a good wit of her 
own, 

Faust — I would like such a woman for a wife. 

Black — You can make love to her, at any rate. 

[Margaret's fianikerchief drops ; Faust picks it up and 
gives it to her ] 

FaUjT — Permit me. 

MARsaRST — Thank you for the trouble. 

Faust — The trouble is most welcome that gives 
me an excuse for speaking to you. 

[She looks at him; their eyes meet; he bows ; she 
Muthes and looks down, and she and Mrs. iSwerlm 
pass on j 

Faust.— T would like to know whether she dropped 
her handkerchief purposely. 

Slack No ; I was observing them from the mo. 

ment when they cama out of ttie church. Tbey did 
not see U3. Margaret is too modest to do anything 
to attract the advance of a sSranger, She is simple, 
hearted. I do not know her, but I know of her. 

Faust — Simple. 'aearted or not, she is lovely. You 
must make me acquainted with her, and maaage so 
that I can keep up the acquaintance. 

Slack — Good ; you will meet her at the ball. 

FAUiT — it the ball? That's a long ways off. Can't 
yon arrange it sooner ? 

Black [aside J — ®li, ho I he'll jump in'o the trao. 
I will try. [ Exit Faust.] 

Slack _I know from what Birbava hts told ma 
that Mrs. Hartz would never let him come to the 
house. Mrs. Siverlla'a is the place wherd ttiey must 
meet ; but how to manage Mrs. 8 werliii, so that she 
Will consent, la a queaiion ? I ha^e is. I will re- 
port fie deat'i of her husband, git Alhort tj prom- 
ise to marry her, and she will do anything t> please 
Albert's master. 1 Enter Albert \ 

Slack— Did I not hear yon siy that when you 
were at Ritterstihl's cimp, a'tirtbe Buttle of Padua, 
yoa saw a Mr. Siverlln amoag cha wounded ? 

Albert— Yos, sir. 

Slack —Did you know the man ? 

Albebi— No, sir. 

Slaok— Do you know tola Oral; nama or where he 
aame from ? 

Albert— No, sir. 

Sl^ok - Of what company he was in ? 

ALBERT — Nor that either. I saw him only once, 
and would not have remembered him if Ritteretahl 
had not said he had seen a man that recovered from 



a wound just like that. It was a large spear wound 
In the right breast. 

Slvck — Th;\t was as mush as to eay that there 
was little chance for Swerlin to live? 

Albbrt— I so Jinderstood 1*. 

Slack— Well, he must havabaen the husband of a 
Mrs. Swerlin that lives here. She can be of much 
servica to Professor Faust, and I need your assist- 
ance with her. The professor is in love with her 
cou3in, Miss Hartz, and wants to meet her at Mrs. 
Swerlin's House. Now, to get her to be favorable, 
I am going to tell her that her husband is dead, and 
that you and I both saw him die. And then I want 
you to make love tj ner, and, if necessary, promise 
to marry her. Bat you need net keep the promise 
unless you want to. Does that suit you? 

Albert— Yes, if you say so. 

Slack— It will be the better for both of us. 

SCENE IV— Mrs. Swerlin's House. Margaret, Mrs. 
Sw£BLiN and Slack. 

Margaret — Oh, Mrs. Swerlin 1 

Mrs. Swerlis — What's the matter? 

Margaret- A servant man came to the house this 
morning, and brought me this box. He said it was 
a present for Margaret Bartz. Just eee what ele> 
gant jewelry. 

Mrs, Swerlin — That's ever so nice. Who senfe 
it ? It is fit for a Princess. 

Margaret — The man went away as soon as he 
gave it to me, and I did not think to ask any ques- 
tions. 

Mrs, Swerlin — Did you know the man ? 

Margaret- I never saw him before. 

Mrs. Swerlin— Then Professor Faust sant it. 

Margaret — Why should a great man care for such 
a poor girl as I am ? 

Mrs. Swerlin —Because he is a mas. 

Margaret — He has a majesticlook. 

Mrs. Swerlin- The first thing that a pretty girl 
has to learn ia that her face puts her on a level witb 
the highest rank. 

Margaret— I can see it in Professor Faust's face 
that lie is an honorable man. 

Mrs. Sweslin- You talk as if you knew all about 
men. The more you learn, the less you know. 
They av,^ as bad as women, and you can not say 
anything worse of them. But let ns look at these 
things. It ia a complete set — necklace, bracelet, 
breasipin, earrings, and finger-rings. The ladies at 
Oourt do not wear richer jewelry tlian that. 

MARa.4RET -But alas ! what good will they dome? 
I dare not wear them. I am afraid to let mother 
know I have them. She says jewels are the Devil's 
uniform. 4nd then I never go anywhere except to- 
church, and thsf would not do there. 

Mrs. Swerlin— Well, coma to my house and pufe 
them on here as much as you please. 

[Sojrte om knocks.'^ 

Margaret— (3-ood heavens 1 What if that ia my 
mother? 

Mrs. Swerlin [peeping through the eurlain] — No it 
is a strangd gentleman ; that friend of Professor 
Fiust. [.4Zo«d] Come in, [Esit Margiret, Enter 
Mr. Slack. ] 

Slack -Does Mrs. Swerlin live here? 

Mrs. Swerlin — Yes, sir. 

Slack — I have a tuessage for yon ; I wish it were 
not so sad. I come to tell you of the death of your 
husband, Anthony Swerlin, 

Mrs. Swerlin— My dear Anthony dead I Oh, I 
shall faint. [She siti down andweeps.'^ 

Slack — Three months ago I was present at bit 
deathbed in Padna. 



Mas. Sw£BLiN — Are yoa certain that it was my 
liusband ? 

Slack — Anthony Swerlin, husband of Martha 
SwerliQ of Tannwald. 

Mb^. Sweblin — The same I the same t Oh, my An- 
thony ! 1 shall never get over the shock ! 

Slack — He was buried with the honors that be- 
came a brava soldier. 

Mb3. swEiiLiN — What token of his affection did he 
eena me ? 

Slack. — Nothing, save a request that you would 
liave 300 masses said for his eoul. 

Mrs. gwEELiN — Not even a breastpin or a bracelet ? 
Why, every soldier eaves some trinket as a keepsake 
for his sweetheart, even If he has to beg his way 
home. 

Slack — Madam, he bitterly lamented his misfor- 
tnnes. 

Mbs. Sweblin — ilas ! How unlucky some men 
tre, I win, indeed, say many a requiem for his soul 
Slaoe — Before he died he repented for all his sins 
and received absolution. Ha was sorry that he had 
deserted his wife and bis trade, and that ha could 
not see you to beg your forgiveness. 

Mbs. Sweblin [weeping] —Poor fellow. I have 
locg forgiven him. 

Slack— But then he said jou were more to blame 
than h». 

Mrs. SwaRLiN--Oh, the liar. Couldn't he tell the 
truth even on the eiJge of ttie grave ? 

Black — I am sure he slandered yoa. He said you 
were gadding about all day long, equandericg every 
cent you could lay jour hands on, and scolding when 
you came home at night. 

Mbs. Sweblin — A scamp, to tell such falsehoods 
about a faitbfui wife. 

Slack- After all, beseemed to think kindly of you, 
for he spoke of having at one battle taken a good 
Share of booty which he laid by for you. 

Mbs. SwBELiN— How? Where? Did he bury the 
money ? 

Slack -The Lord knows. He did not stick to his 
VirtuouB resolutlonfi. VPhile he was having a jolly time 
In Naples, after a hard campaign, he fell in with a 
handsome young lady who did him many favors, of 
Which he thought of every day till he died. 

Mrs. Swebun— Oh, the villain ! How he could 
forget Ms poor wife in that waj ? Nothing conid 
stop his shameless life. 

Slack -Alas, he is dead. But mourning will bs- 
■eoma you. I should not wonder if you had another 
husband within a year. 

Mas. SwEELttj- On, Lord ! Anthony was a good 
goul, after all. I might hunt a long time without 
finding another lllro him. Everybody had to bs 
merry when he was about. Bat. then he would get 
drunk and gamble, idle away his time, go in debt 
and run after strange women. 

Slack — The best fish are not all caught. I wish I 
were settled down ad had a wife as good aa you are. 
Mrs. SwERLiM Oh ! you're jokiDg. 
Slack [asiciej -She would marry tho devil him- 
self. [Aloud ] Permit me (o take my leave. 

Mrs. pweblist — One moment ; have you aiiy cer- 
tlScate of my liusb.Tnd's death ? 

Slack No ; but Mr. Albert, who is also stopping 
at the castJp, was with me when your husband died ; 
and he and I together will make an aifi Javit of the 
deatii. 

Mrs. SwEBLis-Then you are one of t'le party at 
the csstle. I thought so when you came in. Ire- 
member seeing you with Prof. Faust last Sunday in 
front of the church. The Baroness has invited me 
'to the ball, and I am ever eo anxious to go, for I 



Esver met courtiers, and I have been told that they 
make themselves so agreeable to ladies. I hope yoa 
will come to see me again. I don't like to stay away 
from the ball, though people will talk. I wish I had 
not heard of his death till after the ball was over. 

Slack— I beg you, do not think of staying away. 
We are all bachelors in our party, and if ihe ladies 
avoid us, we shall soon be tired of Tannwald, lou 
n?ed not tall, and I will keep it to myself till after 
the ball, and then tell you as something new in the 
presence of some of your friends, 

Mrs. Sweblin — Thank you ; that will do nioely« 
SCENE V — Ball at the castle ; promenaders in 
couples ; Mabgabet, Barbara, Mrs. Sweblin, Mrs. 
Kline, Mrs. Fbinz, Miss Behb and Miss Obeen 
sitting down ; some gentlemen standing up on 
the other side of the room ; Mr. Slack brings up 
Prof. Faust to Miss Hsbiz, introduces him, and 
they walk off arm-in-arm ; Mr. Slack introduces 
a walking gentleman to Mrs. Pbinz, and they 
promenade ; Mr. Slack brings Albert up to Bab- 
BiEA, introduces him and says [aside to her] : 
Mr. Slack — I will leave you in charge of Mr. 
Albeet till I have leisure to come for you 

[Albert and Barbara promenade.'^ 
Mr. Slack [to Selfcnstein]~I will introduce you 
to Miss Eehe, the lady in red, and I hope you will 
make yourself as agreeable to her as possible. 

Helfensxein' — Oh, Lord ! Mr. Slack, she's a 
fright. I expected there would be something beltar 
for me. 

Slack — It's the best I can do. Don't be afraid — 
she's a woman. 

Helfenstein — Well, if I must, I must. 
Slack — Slie has money, 

Helfenstein — That is a different affair. Much 
of it ? 
Slack — Yss, she's rich and want j a husband. 
Helfenstein — .She is handsome now. Do you 
think she would take me? 

Slack — Glad to get you, if you manage it right, 
Helfenstein — That suits me exactly. I am tired 
of the razor. Recommend me, and tell me what I 
must do 

Slack — She teaches the village school, and is vain 
of her learning, though she does not know anything. 
Attack her on the weak side. Uompliment her on 
her literary altiinments. You picked up enough 
Latin while you were barber at the University to 
impose on her. 

Helfenstein — Will it do to say, "hie, haec, hoe? 

Quo usfue tandem abuiere Catalinoi, nostra patientia f" 

Slack — That's it 1 Use a few such phrases oooa- 

sioaally, and don't answer any questioas about the 

grammar ; though she knows precious little of it. 

Helfenstein — I have not been a barber among 
the studeot! for nothing. 

Slack — Da not say anything about your business, 
and make as much progress in your suit to-ni;^ht as 
you can. She is ia an excelleai humor with the 
honor done her by inviting hpr lo the Oastle, and it 
will be much easier for you to get a position now 
than some other time, when she has had leisure for 
consideration, and flnds out that you are only a 
barber. After she has committed herself, she will 
find It. hard to draw bick. 

Helfenstein — I will do my best 
Slack [t iking up H'.lf^.niiein to Miss Bthr.\ — Miss 
Bal-ir. lot me introduce Mr. Helfenstein, a" dlstin. 
gnished gaQtleman of rhe Oourt. ^She rises and makes 
a ridiaulnus eourti-fy and grimace ] 

Helfen TEiN [bowing with ahaughtg and distant oirj 
— Shall I have the pleasure of your company for tho, 
promenade ? 



Mv-B BEii'B [takivff his aj-m] T nsTer expeoed to 

enjoy eneU au bonor. 

8I1AOK oEfara hi-; arm to Me3. Swerlin and prome- 
nades. Mes. Klinis and JVliis Gbben lelt sitting 
alone, look at each other. 

Miss Gbeen — ^hat has become of all the gentle- 
wen ? 

Me3. Kline — Mr. Slack is the manager of the 
party, and he .ividently does not inlecct to provide 
OS with partners. 

Mis3 Gbeen — T told you so, but you would insist 
on coming. 

Mb3 Kline — You ware much more anxious to 
oomH than I was. 

Miss Gbeen — -No auoh tUing. These people are 
so mightily stuck up that they are not lit {or polite 
company. I told you so. I will never come to 
another party at this Castle. [Be^fims'ein and 3Iiss 
Belir come forward. 1 

Helfenstein — The fame of your literary acoom- 
pUshmtnts reached me at Vienna, Miss liehr, and 
the desire of makintt jour aequiiintaiQce was one o.f 
my naoliveg for acceptiug the invitation of Baron Eott 
to viBit his delightful castle. 

Mi-s Behe — I did cot suppose the people at Court 
thought so much of learning. But perhaps you are 
a distinguishpd scholar yourself ? 

HELFENt-TEiN— I have been too busy with the active 
duties of Court life to give such time to bookfi as I 
■wished, and I envy those who, hke yourself, can 
live contitJusHy in a high intellectual atmosphere. 
Still, I congratulate mvgelf that by Universiiy train- 
ing and association with learned men, I am not un- 
able t) appreciate the chiirms of your conversation. 

M1S8 Behs- Perhaps you can give me some light 
on a matter that has a deep interest for me? I have 
been unable to find in any Litin Gcammar a satis- 
factory rule for the formation of the third person 
p'ural of the compound pluperfect tense, in the in- 
dicative mood, active voice. 

Helpensteis — Thatis a complex question that will 
requirw more time than we can give it this evening. 
It would be a pleasant task to me, at some good op- 
portunity, to go through the conjugation of the 
verb amo with you. 

Miss Brbe— Dtar Mr. Helfenstein, I fear that you 
ore like ot'aer courtiers, if what I have heard is true. 
Would it net be better to take up the noun matri 
tnetiia first? 

Helfen.stein— With all my heart. 

Miss Behis Ah ! Mr. Helfenstein. 

Belfenstein — Ah! Miss Behr. [Faust aid Mar- 
garet, (oir.eforivnrd ] 

MARGAKEr— I feet it well that you condescend to 
trett me so only because you are polite to every- 
body. My poor conversation can not interest a 
great man like you. 

FADST_One word, one look from you interests 
me more than all the wisdom of the world. 

\He kisses htr /iared.] 

Mabgabet— How can you ? My hand is so rouah. 
I have til work hard. Mothfr ia very strict. [ They 
pass lo ilie rear ; Mr. Slack and Mrs. Swtrlin come J or- 
viard I 

Mra ^WERLiH - And you travel much 7 

i?LAOK - My lousiness has required it, but I have 
seen in many places where I could have spent my 
life h*ppi)y. 

Mrs. Swerlin The years go swiftly by, and at 
last a tlma comes whsn men grow old and they are 
miserable if they have to live alon'i. 

Slack I often thought of that with spprehension. 

Blrs. Sweelin— I advise you to get married before 



it is too late, f They pass to the rear; Helfenstein and 
Miss Behr comeforuard 1 

HELFENtTtiN — Adora'ule Misa Behb I can not ex- 
plain the firaiiUcation I experience ia jour sympa- 
thetic conversation. 

Miss Behb _I have always had an intuition that I 
should some day meet a congenial spirit like your 
self. 

Helfenbtein --At the first sight of thofe delicate 
features, of that graceful form, of this tasteful dress, 
I was enraptured. 

Miss Behb... Ah, Mr. Helfenstein. your compliments 
would completely abash me if I did not think they 
were j'lst. It is one of t.ie great disadvantages of 
villaee life that there is no appreciation for genuine 
merit. People of refiufd tnwte are treated with 
neglect. [ T/.ey pass lo the rear; Fanst and Margaret 
come to tkejront 

Maegaeet. — Yss, out of sight, out of mind. Yon 
will soon forget me in the company of fashionable 
women more attractive than I am. 

Faust. _ Beet one, bi-lieve me that fashion is noth- 
inf-i but assumption and vanity. 

Mabgabet.- Jiow? 

Faust — .Oh thft gimplicity and innocence never 
underetaiid the.r owh value ; that humility and 
puvity, the highest gifts of gfiaer :U8 nature — 

Margaret (inHrruphny) — If you will think but a 
moment of me, I shall have time enough to think of 
you 

Faust — T supoosa you are often alone. 

Mabg.vbet — Yes, our house is small, but there is 
much v;ork in it. We have no servant, and I must 
cook, sweep, dust, sew, darn, and run early and late. 
We might live more at our ease, but mother is se- 
vere. My life is quiet. My- brotdf-T is in the 
army, and mr? little Bister is dead. She gave me no 
ecd of trouble, but I loved her dearly. 

Fau t — She was an angel, if like you. 

Margaret —1 nursed her and eho loved me. 
Mother was sick after baby was born and I had to 
take charge of her and feed her with milk and sugar, 
and so she became mine. In my arms, she at©, 
slept, played, grew, and learned to snaile. 

Faust You have surely felt the purest happiness. 

MabgiEet -And many weary hours, too. Her 
cradle stood by my bedside, and if she moved, I 
awoke. I had to feed her and take her into bed with 
me or carry her up and down the room. Then at 
daybreak I bad to go to the washtub, ruu to market, 
stand over the fire, and always the same round of 
toil, day after day. You can well believe fiat some- 
times I was sick of life, but then I always had 
a good appftite and could sleep well. [Tlieypassto 
thcrar; Siack and Mrs Swerlin come foritard ] 

Mm. SwBBLiu — The poor women are at a disad- 
vantage. It's hard work to catch a good husband 
now-a-diys. 

Slack -One like you could make me think 
dlflerently. 

Mb I. fcwEBLiN—Have you not some thought of 
getting married ? 

Slack I'he proverb says, " A faithful wife and 

your own fireside are worth more than gold and 
jewels." 

Mrs. Sweblin— But have you not often felt the 
waLt of a home ? 

Slack — .lam always glad when t >ld to make my. 
self at home. 

Mrs. SwERLit" — I meant to ask whether you do not 
feel like paying st-rious attentiou to some lady. 

!?LACK T would never treat love as a joke. 

Mks. cweelis — O, you will not uatlerstand me. 

Slack — I will not pretend any more to misuade 



8t»nd you. My offectione are elBewhtre engaged, 
but Mr AlbTt, wbo is now promenading w t'l Miss 
Birbara. wants a wife, and would make a good bus. 
band. He is Fcnoiojed in the Dnivarsity, under 
Prof. Faust, and If yoa c%n catcb him, you en be 
surrounded by Gouri people, and have a jolly time 
every day. 

Mes. Swehlin — "Do you think be would like itie ? 

Slack — I clo ; and I am certain he wonld. If Pro- 
fesflOT f auet sliould take a notion to Miss Hartz, as 
I Bupoose ho has ; and I would be glad it you will 
make opportunities tor Professor Farst to meet Miss 
Hartz. You will, will you not ? 

Mas. SwEBLiN — Yes, if it will please you \ Aside ] 
Anytbics t^ Bf>t. nway from T^nnwali. I The/ pass 
to the rear; He'fen&Uii and Miss Belir come forward.] 

Hklfenstein — You were born for a more exalted 
station than you occupy here. 

Mns Behp — My in'uitioas have told roe thit I 
should not, always be tied down to the drudgery of a 
villaRe school. 

Belfenstkin — T perceive that yon h.ive many in. 
tuitions. So have I, I have an intuition that you 
would ornament the Court. In the gpacious castle 
where I make my home there is need of an intel- 
lectual ladv to give tone to society. 

Mis3 Behb — \h, Mr Helfpnstein 1 [Tkeypassto 
the rear; Faust a'td Margaret comeforivard. ] 

FaU;.! — You little angel, you recognized me as 
soon as 1 came in to the garden. 

MargsiRet — Did you not see it ? I could not look 
yon in the face. 

Faust — .\nd you forgave my boldness? 

MiRGATiBT — There was nothing t3 forgive. 

Faust — Daar girl. 

M&BGARET — Iieave me a moment. [She plucks a 
rose, anl commences to pull off the petals, ons by one, 
•murimLri'g ] 

Fau<t — What doss that mean ? 

MAKGkRRT — .Only a pUvy. 

Faust — '^ow ? 

Mabgarhjt — You will laugh at me. [fhe con'inues 
to pull and murmur 1 He loves me ; he loves me not ; 
be lovos me; be lo»63 me m t. 

Faust — You are an angelic oreatnca. 

Margaret He loves m^ ; loves rae mt. ; he lovaa 

me ; love* me not ; Hearing out the last liaf exult- 
ing'y ;] he loves me. 

Fau.-t — Yes, my child. Let this flower announce 
to you Hjaven's decrsr — be loves you. Do ynu 
know wh*t that means? Ha loves you. [He lakes 
her two hands ] 

iaAKSARET — T am all trembling. 

Faust ')h, tremble not. Let tbis look, let this 

bandgra^p tall you what is inexpressible. W.^ are 
pledged ts eternal love aacl inftnite deMabt. E'.firDi! 

tT^i-a is no end to it ; no end. \ Marg 'ret presses 

his hand and tn-ns a'oai. Alhert anl Mrs Sverlin 
appear at the ba:k of thi staje, aid the scene changes.] 

Act II, 

80EXE I—^LACK aijd Albert. 

SLiCK — His F.iust rardered you to Vienna? 

Albert — I start to-morrow with a letter to tbe 
Secretary of the Imperial Ojunci!. 

Slack It is a petition for a release from his vow 

of celibacy. I brought him here to fini a mistress, 
and be has spoiled my plan by taking a notion t> 
marry anl live in tbe country. Who corjld have 
forsseen sucb a whim? You want him to be a Oar- 
dinal as well as I do, and the Arobduke old me him- 
■&lf that the Emperor in'ends to recoxm^nd Fau^it 
for the first vacancy among tbe German Oardinals. 
Bsveral of tbem are vary old and may be expected to 



drop off any day. When he gets ft red bat, I shall 
be bis Secretary and you will be bis Steward, and wo 
will both be rich. You will a^S'St me to defeat him? 

.'lbeet — Certainly. Our interests are the same. 

Slace — I will give you a letter to the Saoretary of 
tbe Council explniTiing that Frfuat do s not want to 
be released, biit wishes to have something that ho 
can show as an excuse for not msrryng. I hav« paid 
the PecTf'tary for othf-r work, and he will help me 
now in this. Even if we knew that Faijst never 
would be Cardinal, it would be our policy to keep 
him a Professor, for I wint to bean cfQ'erof tbo 
University by bis inflnencfl ; and if he lives in the 
country, yon cannot follow him there. 

Albert — I will do my be-t. 

Slack — .Find out what tbe answer is before yots 
leave ; do not make any great haste to return in any 
caee. If the Council grant bis rf q4»s6, briui the 
letter to nae first, so that I can ooni*idtr wbaf should 
be done. S-e Mrs Swerlin before starting, anri If-ave 
her wstb tbe fullest confidence ih^t jou will marry 
ber. Then I can maoage ber rturing your atisi nee. 
Faust liJ crazy. After spending 'be b3.>(t ve-irs of hla 
life to make a reputation as a scholar and saint, and 
when about to reap the great r?ward reserved for tbe 
few who succeed in such amhi^lon, then to Rnid^n- 
ly throw away all bia past, abandon his learning, 
the University, the Oharcb, the Court, his celebrity, 
and all for a girl withouteduoa'ioo, without wealth, 
without friends. The like wis never heard of before, 
except among lovesick men. And suoi a liimo of 
ice as he weA to seem, it is only nuother proof of 
the old 6t)r7 that every man will BicriSie evory- 
tbing for a :yom m. wbfin the ri^ht one g-ts hold of 
him. But this f-?ver for mitrimony is like a at — it 
will not last long. 

SCENE ir — Mrs. Klins'e hou'e. iVIrs, Kline and 
Mi.ss (jBSEN. Enter Mrs. Swkrlis and Miss 
Behb 

Mri. S^vEBLitT — Wasn't it a glorions ball ? 

Mus Behr — Nevar enjoyfd myself so much. 

Miss Green — llegant suppT. 

Mi9S Bbhk — Ptie people had i^ucb grind mannera. 

KlR^i. Klin' — i53oeci»lly Mr Helienstein. 

Ml?? Behr — .'Veil, sioca you r=imiot me of it, 
especially M'-. aelfeat)iu Yiu causae ia alibis 
movements, and heir it in every sentence, that he 
ia a man of avis o^r&t c itituitioas a^ well a? of aris- 
tooratio association? frotn bis earliest cbil-ihood. 

ly.m. Klink — O'l. yes, be is an aristo^rvt t> tbe 
bickboao Tni^ ia the wiv be did if. \ Sk'. i ni' ates 
He'fi»H in's manner, addressing herself lo Mhs Gresw, J 
The fauaeof yoai literary acoocnplislimflaoa his mada 
m^ anxi m? for yonr ^i-^quiintance. • 

Or'iis Gr5;en [imia'ini MiiS B'lli'-] — .Perhaps yoa 
are a diatia^aishe') scb ilar v'>nrseif. 

Mrj. Ki..i>«e [imi'ainj Miss Orecn\ — t cannot ex- 
plain the gratihcatloa I feal iu your syaipatbetio 
coDVPrsitioa. 

Mlh Grben T always bad an intuition that I 

should some day meat a, congenial spirit like your- 
self. 

Mb?, Kline —You were born for a mora exaltei 
station th in you occnpy bare. 

Miss Grseh My intuitions have told mi so. 

Mrs. Klise— I envy those wbo, like your elf, live 
contiuuillv in a biyb iotellecluai at no^phere. 

Miss Green— How do you form the coLiroimded 
imperfeoS tense of tbe vindictive mo)d of the 
soreimins voice ? 

1V5E3 Sline- We'll go through tbe whole conjunc- 
tion of a wordy amonr. 

Miss Green - As soon as we have committed mat- 
rimonia at heart. 



Mas. Kline- -A^i, Miss Behr. 

Miss (Jeeen -Ah, Mr, Heifeostein. [Mrs, Kline 
laughs liia'H y, and Miss Green also ] 

Miss Bjhu—I am too bappy to be worried by 
your teasiug. 

Mhs. Kline— Is not that a new d.-ees, Miss Bebr ? 

Miss Behb -Yes, the Baroness invited me to the 
caetle, and lo I got Koms tbing fxtra. 

Mrs. Kline— I'ou Irok much stouter in it. Is 
thf-re not too ainch paddiug, and are not ttte colors 
ratbtr ga\ ? 

Miss Behe — These are tne fashions at Vienna. I 
asked Mr. Ht-Jtmistein. 

Mrs, Kline — He knows mora about the fashions 
iu bair thin in dreiss. 

Miss Behp — "^ hat do you mea-n ? 

Mrs Kj-Ish — How should a Darber hnow anything 
about ladies' dress ? 

Miss Eehu — I do not understand why you ask 
such a quoblion. A court gentleman who is with 
couit laQiea every day, must, of course observe their 
dress. 

Mrs. Klinf — Do you suppose Mr. Helfenstein is 
a gentleman of the court ? He is nothing but a 
barber. 

Miss Eehe — If you want to say Bomething that 
will hurt Ltiy icslings, you should invent something 
that people will believe when you lirst eay it. Don't 
be foolish in jour spite. I was sorry to see that 
jou were left without any attention at the ball, but 
several gentlemen who were expected failed to ap- 
pear, acd it was supposed that some of the ladies 
Invited would not come ; but they all did, and so 
there were not enough gentleiuen to go round. 

Mrs Kline — That has nothing to do with .Mr. 
Helfenstein 's occupation. 

Miss .Behe — When a couple of ladies sit thron^h 
a long ball as waH flowers, they have time to think 
up many remarks that will sting their mora fortu- 
nate friends. 

Mrs. Eltne — ifter looking on at that ball, I saw 
that there was ouiy one man there who,se attention I 
■would want, and that was Profe.ssor Faust. I do 
belieTO that he is in love in earnest with Margaret 
Hartz. All the others acted like snobs. The coun- 
try boys have not the manners, but they have more 
true politeness. They may be awkward, but they 
are never insolent. 

MiiS Behb — trive me the courtiers. 

Mrs, KuNf — The barbers, you mean. 

Mi-8 BiiHP — Vhfct fib will not seek. iMr. Slack 
told me Mr. Helfenstein has a high place at Court. 

Mrj KLiNE—What does l:e do? 

Miss Beh« — [do nit know. He told me himself 
that h-i has a large castle. Just as if I woald look 
at a barber. 

Mas. Kline — You might be lucky to catch an 
honest barber ; but that Helfenstein is a humbug. 
I saw Count Dick, Captain Lovenstein, and Major 
Hobenthal laughing at him. 

Mi85 Behr — Do not tease me so, Mrs. Kline. You 
ware marrie i once and you ought not to be so jealous 
because I. am to have the same happiness at last. 

Mrs. KuNE—Jh, ho 1 engaged, is it ? That's fast 
work. 8 -hool marms must be scarce in Vienna. 

Miss Gbeen— Or barbers plenty ! 

Mrs. Kline— Well, I would be ashamed to teli 
that I had jumped at a fellow and caught him the 
first time I ever saw him. 

Miss Behb- I did not jump. He begged ever so 
hard bef>>re I consented to marry him. 

Mrs Kline -And what more? 

Mi-8 BiHa -Nothing more. 

Mrs. Kline- Oh, yes, there was. I got interested 



and I watched yon when yon went to tbe arbor. 

Miss 1 ehp — Oh. you wretch, shut up. 

Mws. Edni" — Ii's too good : I mnft tel). 

Mifs BEEE—You'il tell, will yru ? 

I She rtns at Jfrs K<ine. (aiOifS her Uy the hack cf her 
collar, beiids IhV i!ov n and fi'ijvds h-r in tlie la k Mrs, 
Kliw. ca'ches Mi s hthr s dress a' the lija- arid piifhen her 
lachward and they gn down Irgilhir. Thnj sijarate, 
gare at ea'h oVuv a minute and Miss Uihr nniws the 
a ta'-k, giiing three Ia<gf. saat'hes to Mrs. Kline nn each 
clieik. Mrs. Kline !cr' ams. Count Lik Ca/>lain Lov- 
(r\sl< in and Major Hnhentlal ccme. in bit are tot c6- 
s<rvi'd by the cc.rabalantt 3{r$ Kiine catthes Mhs Behr 
by the hi ad, t a'S <Jf' hir hoi net uig, j'rkf a ; ad from 
Jier di ess in front and a buUlf fnvi lor driss btl.ind, 
thakes hir liA her s<t (f falxn tedli jail oi-t and then lets 
her go. Miss lielr seis the me.n,ih)ieks and rvns cut.] 

Mbs. Kline [seiiny Wie mcii] — (Jentlemen, pardon 
me for not welcoming you wtjen jou came in, but I 
was, as you haw, very busy. Two of you ha^e been 
in the war; did you ever see more txecntion done 
in a short fight? Hero are the trophies of a great 
victory. Have either of you ever brought more 
plunder fri^m a field of b ;tt!e ? Thi? \pi:ling vp a 
pad and xidiing it on a tahle] was Ihe breastwork o' 
the r^nemy ; tliis [holding vp ihe hustle],, one of the 
stern unrealities of life, was the entrenchment of 
the rear guard ; this \thejahe hair\ was the chevaux; 
de frieze ; thin [ihe speciades'^ wf.s the Seldglass ; 
and with this [Iheja'se teeth] it she hfd been a Sam- 
son she miHht have slain a tbousand like me. 
The?e \the bonnet, fan and sa'chd] are part of the 
enemy's camp cquippa^e. Look at the column 
erected in honor ol the victory ! 

SCENE III Mb?. Bwerlin's Summer-house— Mae- 

GABET, afterward Fatjet. 

Margaret [singing\ — 

Keigced a mona'ch once In Thule — 

Cons fint even lo Ihe grave ; 

Who ' his miitress, loving truly, 

When she cli;d, a Eoblet gave. 

Nought on earlh so hlahiy prizing, 
Oft h drained 1*, mil his peers ; 

And ss oft, her Ima^e risin ', 
Made his fond eies gash wlh tears. 

So, his la- 1 when he was brea^ hln;, 

SummaiJ he his posse'isio'is up ; 
Freely to his heirs bequeathl; p 

Towns and towars — but not her cnp„ 

With h!s kilghts and bar-.n' loyal, 

'iiiiJ the ba- q e'-hall sut, he ; 
Down the e 'n lh3 ca-tle ro.al 

Of hi 3 fathers, by the tea. 

There t^e tippler stood and sirallowed 
Oae last sup ',f ife's '->>vn blx d ; 

Tlien, win t omb liu' h mil. the h.Jlowed 
Chalice ca t Into the H wi. 

Drooped his Id eyss. wan and winking, 

As the/ marked It in vhi main, 
FaUlns;— sp a bins— tint, sr- inking— 
Never drsiik he dr ;> ?, al -i. 
[Margaret, seeiig Faist cvni tq l.iiis behind the dotr 
and peeps through tks craa'c. Faxit enters and looks 
for her. 1 

Faust — Thoasht I saw ber come in here. [He 
turns to go out, when she spring: ou>. with a "Boo I" 
.Faust — Oh, vou rogue I [Ht Catdies her and kisses 
her ; she kisses him in reium.] 

MAEaaRST — Oh, Henry ! how I love you I But 
tell me one thing. 
Faust — Everything. 



Margabet -Are yon religions? Tou are a good 
man, bat I think yon do not go to cburch. 

FaUcT — Leave tbat, my child. You know I love 
you, and would give my life for my love. 

MABGARET—Tliat 18 Bct enough ; you mmt bave 
religion. 

Faitst -MuBt I ? 

Mabgabet — ilas ! if I had only infiuenoe ova? you. 
And .vou do not respect ths sacrampnts ? 

Faust — Indeed I do. 

Masgabst — But not with love. Do you believe 
in Goa ? 

Faust — "My dear, who can say, •• I believe in God ?" 
Ask priest or philosopher, and the answer is like 
mockery. 

Mabgabet — Then you do not believe in Him ? 

Faust — Mistake me not, you angel. Who dares 
name Him ? And who can say, " I believe in Him ?" 
Wtio that feels dare say, •■ I have no God ?" The Ali- 
embracer, the Al! sustainer, does not He surround 
you, me, Himself ? Is not fhe heaven arched over 
us? Is not the earth firm beneath vis? Do we ni.t 
see each other, eye to eye, and does not all esistence 
rise to your head and heart, and float in infinite 
majosty before you ? L-Jt your heart, big as it is, 
be full of the great idea, and when you are perfectly 
happy in the thought, name it what yon wit) — good, 
heart, love, God. I have no name for it. The feel- 
ing is all in all ; the name is but noise and smoUe, 
Clouding celestial glory. 

MiEGAUET. — That is all right and good ; the priest 
Bays it, too, only in other words. 

Faujt — \11 men say it, each in his own way ; why 
not I in mine ? 

Mabgabet. — But you are not a Christian. 

Faust — X am a Christian enough to love you with 
all my soul. 

Margaret — Indeed, I believe yon ; and every day 
I love you more and more ; and I think more of my- 
self because you love me. 

SCENE IV — Miss Behb's house. Miss Behb and 
Mr. Slack. 

Miss BEHB_Mr. Slack, I have sent for you to tell 
you how I have been abused, and to get your counsel. 
Mrs. Kline has insulted me. She called me a liar. 

Slack — T wuuld have her arrested. 

Miss Behr — \nd she did mu«h worse than that. 
She atticked me in her own house, tsra my clothes, 
and pulled my hair. 

SLACK [a tie] — There was not much to puU. 

Miss Bkhb — ind she isaid Mr. Helfenstein is a 
toarber. 

Slack — How many more crimes has she com- 
mitted? 

Mils Behb — "Vlore than anybody knows. Tell me, 
please, Mr. Ueifenstein's position at court. 

Slack — Would it not be better tiat you sboulcl 
enquire of him ? 

Miss Behb — I do not like to. I am engaged to 
him ; and it would look like distrust. You t^ld me 
Sie is a distinguished gentleman of the court. 

Slack — So he is. 

Miss Behb — Ts ho a nobleman ? 

Slack — No. 

Misa Behk — What high olnce does he hold ? 

Slack — N lae. 

Mias Behb — What ia the name of his castle? 

Sl«cb — 39 una none. 

Miss Behr — Did he inherit a large estate? 

Slack — mo. 

Miss Behb — Where does he live in Vienna f 

PLiCK -In Count Dick's castle, 

Misi Bebb— And how does he live? 

Slack— He is an ait'st in hair. 



Miss Behb— What do you mean? 

Slack— He dresses the heads o( Count Dick,' hlB 
family and guests. 

Miss Behb — What is the difference between him 
and a barber? 

Slack -I fear it is very slight. 

Mias Behb — You do not mean to say that I am en- 
gage^:! to be married to a common, barber, and that 
that odious Mrs Kline told the truth about him? I 
will never speak to him again. I will sua him for 
false pretences. To take advantage of my unsus- 
pecting innocence in that way 1 

Slack — He will do it some ether way the next 
time. 

Miss Behb — Oh, yes ; mock me. You have served 
me a mean i;riek. I will sue you all for conspiracy 
to entrap roe. 

Slack You were a party to the conspiracy. 

Miss Behb _I sant for you, expecting kindness and 
sympaihy I thought you were my friend. 

Slack —I am not your enemy. Was it wrong in 
me to try to find a husband for you? 

IMIS3 Behr - But a barber ! 

Slack— I would have given you,,a noble if I could. 
You might make a worse match than Halfenstein, 
He has imposing manners. 

Miss Behb — I must confess that I like his man- 
nera. 

Slack — And he is not ijnorant. 

Miss Behr— He talked Latin to me. 

Slack Eu can tarn a oompliment neatly. 

Mi s Bebb — .1 thought so while I listened to him. 

Slack— H^ has many friends at Court. 

Mi 8 Behb You plead for him as if hs h^d. 

Slack -de is a handsome fellow. [3Ii;s Behr 
draws a (cng iigk. 1 

Slack — I'nen ho is young, and youth has some 
value in ma'rimony — more there, perhaps, than any 
where else. 

Miss Behb — That's so ; but to engage myself to a 
common baroar, when I supposed I was going to 
marry a noble 1 

Black — Your own oversight. Did he say he was 
not a barber ? 

Miss Behb No. 

Slack — Did he say ha was a noble ? 

Miss Behb — Ko ; bat he spoae of his cistla. 

Slack — 'jove made you misunderstand him. He 
meant Count Dick's castle. 

Miss Benn — Ha said an intellectual lady is 
needed in the castle where he makes his home, to 
give tone to society. 

Slack — That's t'ue. Count Dick needs a wife to 
take charge of his castle, and, perhaps, the wife of 
Count Dick's barber could fill the place till Count 
Dick marries. 

Miss Behei — \b, well ; I have always had a preju- 
dice againnt barbers, since one deceived me many 
yeirs ago ; but I will make another expsviment and 
try this one I will find out what barbars are made 
of. I can't help loving Helfenstsin. He speaks 
Latin with such a pure accbni. ; and he tarns up his 
eyes so beautifully ; and ha has such a sigh and 
such a moudtache. Oh, youthful love, thou art irre- 
sistible. 

SOSNE V nourt Room — ludgp — \ftt*rward Mieb 

Behb, Mbs. Kline, and others, 

JuDOE— Clerk, how's the docket to day? 

Clehk — Only one case. 

Judge — Good. I want to go out hunting with 
some friends. I suppose we can despatch it in an 
hour. Who are the pa' ties ? 

Olebk — Behr vs. Kline. 



JtrsoE — I do net remember hearing the camee of 
any soch persons in tbe parieh, 

CiiEBK — Tou hnow them well. They are Mies 
Behr and Mrs. Eline. 

JuDGF — Good Lord I A woman's case? It maJ 
take a week. I ordered you not to let the women 
bring any Buits here. To administer juKtice be- 
tween women, to their eatififaction, requires more 
then human wisdom. 

Cleek— I could not avoid receiving this caee. 
MiBs Behr would not be denied or put cff. Bhe eaid 
she hnew the courtiers at the castle. If I would not 
hear her cnmplaint she would have yon removed. 
Ton inow how the Judge in tke next parieh wss 
served for offending a courtier. I would not take 
aoy chHucee of thtt kind. 

Judge— WeJl, it can net be helped now. Throw 
open the doors and lot us get through with It as 
soon as possible. Let me see the papers in the 
case. 

[Clerk ppcns the doors and crowd rush in ] 

Offjcer— Order ID the Court. 

Judge [to Mrs. Klin'.'\ —Madam, what is your 
Dame ? 

Mrs. Kline -You know my name as well as I do. 
It's Maria Sophia Keziah K.ire. 

J¥D6E — Yon are charged with slandering — 

Mbs. Kline [inteirupting'^ — Judge, upon my word — 

Judge [inti iruptin g'\ — Viait, Madam, till I have 
explained (be charge. 

Mas Klink — I do not wait to hear it, Judge ; 
tiiere'9 not a word of truth in it. 

JUDGE — Madsm, you must not Interrupt _ 

Mks. Kline [inttiTuptirg'^—I didn t mean to inter, 
rupt you, <,'n3go ; what's tbe use of telling me what I 
do not wai t to know ? The last time you took tea at 
my house, yon said te me you did not believe a word 
that Miss Behr — 

Judge [int rrupting] — Silence, You must not 
interrupt me. 

Mrs. KLisE—Well, if you do not want me to inter- 
rupt you, why do you interrupt me ? 

JuDGs — Midam, you are charged with slandering 
and beating — 

Mrs. Kline — It's a lie, Judge ; it's all a lie. Any 
body thit knows Misa Behr's reputation in this 
towr — 

MisB Behr — Don't you B»y anything against my 
reputation, you audacious woman. 

Judge — Silence, both of you. 

MB3. iiLiNE — Do you expeit me to sit still while 
Bhe calls me a woman? 

Miss Behb — Nobody shall say anything against 
my reputation. I won't submit to it. 

JUDOF — Silence, both of you, or I ■will send you 
to jail lor contempt of Court. t4ot a word from 
either of you till I have stated the charge. Mrs. 
Kline, you are accused of slandering and beating 
Miss Bsbr on the 20th of last month ; are you guilty 
or not guilty ? 

Mr3. Kline — 3ho Is the guilty one, Judge ; you 
told me youroelf she couldn't keep friends with any 
woman more than two weeks at a time ; and thee — 

Judge [interrupling] — Answer my question. Are 
you guilty or not guilty ? 

Mrs. Elinf — 3he came into my house, and be- 
cause I said her beau was a barber, she jumped at 
me and scratcbed me. 

Miss Behe — T wished I had scratched your eyes 
oat. I will the next time. 

Mrs. Kline — So you won't, either. The next 
time I will whip you worse tnan I did that time. 

Judge — Silence, both of you. Mrs. Kline, an- 
swer mj qaeation. Are you guilty ot jxot guilty? 



Mns. Elinf — I commenced to tell yon and you 
would not let me. 

Judgf — Madam, listen to me. It is net jour 
place now to tell me any story, but simply to con- 
less that jou Bre guiltv — 

Mrs. Kline [inkrrupting] — I won't do any such 
thing. Why, Tannwald wouldn't be big enough to 
hold tha» — 

Miss Behr [interruptwgl—VoB't you call me any 
more namep, or^ 

Judge [inierrupiing'^. — Silence, silence, both of 
you, or 1 will send you both to jail for a month. 
Miss Bthr, you must feetp still for a few minutes, 
till I eet the accused to plead guilty or not guilty, 
and tlien I will listen to your evidence. If she 
could only keep her mouth fhut till I can finish a 
sentence cr two, it would go much smoother. 

Miss BEHP—ttive )t lo her, Judge. Send her to 
prison for talking too much. That's the best place 
lor her. 

Mrs. Kline — You're a nice one to give such ad- 
vice. 

JuDGF — Ladies, have you ettered into a conspi- 
racy to arive me cr; zy ? 

Miss Behr [aside] — It's not far tj drive with most 
men. 

Mrs, Kline — Judge, explain to me what I ought 
to do or say. 

Judge [aside] — Just as if it was or any use to try 

to explain anything to a woman. [ To Mrs. Kliue] 

Jou know the noeaniDg of the wora "guilty?" 

Mrs. Klint — Yes, sir. 

Judge — You know, also, the meaning of the words 
" not guilty ?■' 

Mrs. Kline — Yes, sir. 

Jddgf — 4.11 tiiat I want just now is thtt, when I 
question you, you shall either say •• guilty " or •• not 
guilty," and nothing else. 

Mr3. Kline — But, Judge, I am not guilty. 

Judge — That is pxactly what I have been trying 
my best tor the last half-hour to gee jou to say. 

Mrs Klin.'! — Well, I must say that lawyers and 
Judges nave mighty queer ways of getting at things. 

Judge — It is your duty now to keep still, till tbe 
witnesses for the prosecution have been heard. After 
they have been heard, then you can tell your side. 

Mrs. Kline — But, Judge, you do not intend to lis- 
ten to her ? [Poiiiiing at Miss Behr.} 

Miss Behr — Don't you.' point your ugly finger at 
me. 

Mrs Kline — .Why, Judge, you told me yourself, 
she was tbe biggest liar in town. 

Judge — Good God, madam, can't you hold your 
tongue for one minute ? I Bball certainly have to 
send -you to prison, if you do not allow me to take 
tbe testimony of Miss Behr. 

Miss Behr — Well, Judge, you see, this is an old 
Btory. 

Judge \ interrupting] — Silence, madam, till you 
have been sworn. 

MiBS Behr_-I swore enough to myself when that, 
woman was making insinuations against my reputa- 
tion. 

Judge — Do you swear that you will tell the whole 
trutti and nothing but the truth ? 

Misa Behr — You question me just as if youdoubt> 
ed my veracity. 

Judge — Miss Behr, you are old enough to know 

Miss Bbhb i interrupting]— ^o, I am not old euougll 
to know that you have any right to insult me by in- 
sinuating that I leave out or add something to tbe 
truth and by making allusions t? my age. Of course 
I am not very young, but I am not as old as you are, 
for when I was a little girl you were running after 



10 



■^ho 8q,uint-eTea, red-haired dress-maker, that after- 
ward became the mother of fits clerk of yours. 

Jddge Silence 1 Wiiness ! 

Miss BKHB—Tbat's not my name. I am Mies 
Belir. 

J0DGE You are a witness here, and I give you faij 

•notice that if you do not 6t >p your insolent language 
to the Court, I will punish you severely. You must 
4ako the oath. 

Miss Behb — I'll be 

Judge Stop. Answer my questioa. Do you 

flwear that you will tell the whole trtt i and nothing 
but the truth? 

Miss Behb Yes. sir ; and if 1 must swear, I am 

ready now to take the vfickedett oaths, just like you 
men, though it's a queer preparation for telling the 
truth. 

j0DGE_You have taken the only oath that is re- 
<^ulred. 

Miss Behr— I haven't taken any oath. 

J0DQE Did you not say yes to my question 

■whether you would tell the whole truth and noth- 
ing but the truth? 

Mus Behe Well I never knew before that it was 

an oath to say yes. If that is profanity, I have the 
satisfaction of knowing that I have not been as pro- 
fane as some women that I know. [Here she looks at 
Mis. Kline J 

Mrs. Kline — Your face protected your virtue. 

Mi^s Behr — You had none to be protected. 

JUBGE iilenca I Stop the*e personal insults or I 

shall Bead you both lo jail. [ Tj Mi^sBehrj. Tell the 
•Oourt now when, where, ana under what circum- 
stances, the ofifenoes of which you have made com- 
plaint ware oommiltsd. 

Miss Behb Well, Judge, this is an old story. You 

see when Mrs. Kline and I were girlf — 

Judge Grood liord, we do not want to go bask so 

far as that. 

Mei. KLiNE—Only about forty years. 

Miss Bbhb — Eold your tongue, you viper. 

Judge Ofder. You women must not talk t > each 

other. Witness, tell us how the slander and beating 
were committed. Conline your testimony to the 
30th of last month, the day on which it is allegtd 
She offence was committed. 

Mi '8 Behb Well, Judge, you cannot understand 

this thing unless I go back to the beginning. A.S I 
was telling you, when Mr^. Kline and I were girls — 

JUDGK Silence. I do hot want to hear anything 

of what happened to you when you were pirls. 
The village heard enough ol it a,t the time Tell 
me what Mrs Kline did on the 20 h of last month. 

MljS Behb If you had let ma go on, I would 

have been there by tiis time. When Mrs. Kline and 
I were girls — 

JuDGS [inurruphng] — Silence. It is against the 
rules of evidence to permit the recital of irrelevant 
testimony. You must comedown to the time ia 
question. 

Miss Bebk Well, now. Judge, I wrote out my 

DVidence before 1 ca iie here, and I got it by heart, 
and I can't say any of it right unless I stait in at the 
begianing, and go straight through the way I learned 
It. 

Judge We do not want that kind of testimony. 

Where dia you meet Mrs. Kline on the 20ta of last 
month ? 

Miss Behb When Mrs. Kline and I were girls — 

Judge D n the time when you were girls, -and 

when you ara women, too. 

Miss Behb [lo Mrs. Kline., and thaHng fter fist a 
ker\ — Don't you insult me. 

JUDOB — Mrs. Elina ia not insulting you. 



Miss Behb — Yes, she Is, too ; and I won't eland U. 

Judge — What is she doing ? 

Miss Behb — lost look at bar; she is laughing 
at oae. 

Judge — Oh no ; she Is laughing at the manner in 
which justice is administered in this Oaurt. 

Miss Behb — Look at her, Judge, she is making 
faces at me. 

Judge It is not necessary for yon tD look at her . 

Miss Behr How will I know what she is doing Y 

There goes her nose again. It's more than a human 
being can stand. That's the way she acted the day 
I went to her house. 

Judge — That was on the 20th of last month ? 

Miss Behb — Yes, sir. 

Judge — A.nd what did you say to her then ? 

Miss Behb. -I did not say anything, bat I did 
something. 

^ODGE And what did you do ? 

Miss Behb- Shall I show you ? 

Judge— Yes. 

Miss Behb Well, this is what I did. [Croiijr up to 

Mrs. Kline, catching her by the back cf her collar and 
povniiing her ] 

,IUDGE--8top that. 

[ Mrs. Kline defends herself. Each gets the other by the 
hair and they pull each other forward and back ] 

Judge uihcers, stop that ii ^ht and arrest the 

parties. 

[ The crowd get between the combatants and the officers 
so that the lalt'.r can not do any<hing.'\ 

FiBsT vjUt^ideb — I bet on the ola gal in the red 
dress ; she has the longest wind. 

Second OursiDEE I bet on the other ; she has the 

most bottom. [Ojjic.rs break through the crowd ani 
separate fie combatants.'^ 

JwDGE This case is dismissed, and both partiea 

are santeuced to be imprisonsd twenty-four hours 
for contempt of Court. 

Mb3. Klise — Spare me. Judge. What will be- 
come of my Up dog? 

Judge — .0 — n your lap dog. 

Mus Behk — Marcy, Jaage ; I have an engagement 
this evaniog with Mr. Haifenstein. 

judge D_n Mr. Helfenstein. 

Offioeb Wa have only one cell that can be used 

for women, and it they are put iu together, they will 
tear each other to pieces. 

Judge Suah an event would cot make the village 

more quarrelsome. 

Act III. 

SCENE I— Mrs Haetz's room. MABGiBEi at the 
window. Mrs. Haetz with back to Mabgabet. 

Mas. Habtz — You do not keep the house ao neatly 
as you used t j do. 

Mabgabet Perhaps not, mother, but then wa see 

so little CO lipany. Why should I bother my head 
about the hoaae it nobody saes it ? [Mirgiret kisses 
her hand to somebody in the street. Mrs. Hartz sees mo- 
tion in the glass. 1 

Mas. Hautz — What girl is passing? 

Mabgabet — i do not see aay girl. 

Mb3. Habiz -To whom did you kiss your hand 
then ? 

Mabgabet— Did I kisa my hand ? 

Mbs. Habtz What doss this mean ? [She gets up 

and looks out of the window.] Yonder is a sttangs 
mm whom f. have often noticed of late, walking past 
oar house and looking this way, and you seem as 
anxious to look out as he is to look in. 

Mabgabet Well, mother, I must look out of tho 

window sometimes, 

Mas. Habtz — Do you know that man T 



11 



MA.T!aABET — I have Been blm before. 

Hbs. Habtz — Bid you kiss yooor band to him 7 

Mabsabet— Yes ; is tbere auytbing vrong about 

■tost y 

Mas. Hartz — Wbiat's his name 7 

Mabgabet — Prof. Faust. 

Mb3. Habtz -Have you ever spoken to him 7 

Mabgabet — Tes, 

Mks. Habt? — Where? 

MAEGABBT_\t Cousin Martha's, 

Mks. Habtz — Wtiy did you not tell me.7 

Mabgabkt — I did not think it was right that I 
shoald be shut up in tae houae all the time. 

JkiBS. Habtz — You know ihtt jou ought to have 
told me, anyhow 7 

MiEGAEET — 1 told yeu when he picked up my 
handkerchief in the street ; the first time I saw blm. 

Mbs. Habtz — That is the man, is it 7 But you 
did cot tell me his name 7 

Mabgabet — 1 did not know it then. 

Mbs. Habtz — Have you met him more than once 
at Martha's? 

Mabgabet — Yes. 

Mbs. HiiBTZ — How often? 

Mabgabet — I do not know. 

Mbs. Habtz — You do. Tell me, instantly. 

Mabgabet — i cannot tell ; perhaps eight or ten 
times. You know when I have gone to Martha's 
since the ball ? I have met him tbere nearly every 
time ; sometimes for only a few minutes. 

Mbs. Habtz — You have never seen him elsewhere 7 

Mabgaeej — Ne'ver. 

Mb8. Habtz — A.ud was Martha always with you ? 

Mabgabet — She was always at home and nearly 
always with us. Occatiionally when she was in the 
house, I have gono into tl>e garden with Prof. Fau!<t 
for a few miDutes. 

Mbs. Habtz — O, you wicked girl. And you went 
tbere on purpose to mset him. All the people in 
town must know about it. I forbid you to go out of 
the house aloise. I will get some aeighbor girl to 
run all the errands. I should like to wring that 
Martha's neck. You shall not visit her anymore, 
nor shall she come here. 

Mabgabet — But, mother, you know that I see no 
other company, save Barbara. 

Me.s. Habiz_You do not need any. I will see 
that you do Khe housework properly, and then you 
will have no leisure for gabbing. There ehall not 
be a speck of dirt in the house and there is plenty 
of sewing that needs to be done. 

Mabgabet — You will let Prof, Fanst visit me, 
will you not ? 

Me3. Habtz — Ho mu6t never come near my house. 

Mabgabet — Let him come only once, so taat he 
can tell you wJiat he has told me, and if you find 
anything wrong you can explaia it to me and then 
order him awaf . 

Mbs. Habtz — So ; I suppose that he is a plausible 
rogue, and you would only think the worse oi me if 
I did not let him have his own way. The woman 
that listens is lost. You send word to him that be 
must never speak to you again. 

Mabgabet — He has treated me with all the respect 
that he could have paid to ttte nobiest lady of the 
land, and I cannot give him an unprovoked inisult. 
I would rather leave your house, 

Me3. Haeiz — I will lock you up in your room 
and nail up the window. 

Mabgabet I duty you. I will tear the house 
down before you shall keep me in it against my 
will. I was not made to be a prisoner or a slave. 
When I am stronger than yon are I do not see how 
you would shut me up, and if you did I would 



scream so as to make the whole town turn out in 
a mob. 

Mas. Habtz— Shut up your Impertinence. 
Mabgabet — It is not impertinence. I promised 
to be Henry's wife, and 1 will keep it. 

Mns. Habtz -And did he promise to be your 
husband? 
Mabgabet— Xea, he did. 

Mbs. Habtz — ind you suppose then that a Pro 
fessor can marry when he pleases. 

Mabgabet Ho has told me that he must have tlie 

permission of the Imperial Council, but be Bays he 
is sure of getting it. He has already sent for it. 

Me?. Habtz — You are a silly girl to believe all that. 
If he had wanted to marry you he would have come 
to me flrst. That is the custom of the country, 
and everybody knows that when a man goes to the 
girl and not to the parents, he is trying to takd ad- 
vantage o; her. 

Mabgabet He said he would speak to you as 

soon as he gtts the release from the Council, 

Mbs. Haetz XI the time has not come for asking 

me, ho ought not to have spoken to you. A little 
sense ought to tell you that I do not believe he 
has applied for a release from his vow, and if he 
had it would not be for the purpose of marrying 
JOU. How much farther has this nonsense gone? 

Mabgabet— I have allowed him to kiss me, 

Mbs. HaBiZ-Is that all? 

Mabgabet— That is all save that I love him bo 
ruuch that I shall never have a happy hour if I can 
not see him again. 

Mbs. Haetz (Jirls' nonsense. They alway.fl think 

they will be miserable their whole lives if they 
cannot marry tlseir ttrst love, but they soon get over 
that and have a dozen passions before they marry. 
Girls with their beaux are like boys fishing : they 
never catch at the first nibble, 

Mabgabet -Prof. Faust is aot like a common man. 

Mes. Habtz So much the worse for you. A Pro- 
fessor cannot marry, and would not marry you if he 
ooula. Ha ctn get a rich and fashionable wife, 
with friends at Court, accustomed to Court society. 
He could not take you among his associates in Vienna ; 
they would laugh at your awkward country manners 
till he would be mortitied to death. Ikuowsomething 
about that ; I once visited your Aunt Mary when she 
was the Arohduchei-s' dreesing maid, and even the 
servant women laughed at me so much that I was 
glad to get away, and 1 never want to go near a 
Court again. If a woman is net noble, she is nobody 
at Vienna. Great men are nearly always great vil 
lains. I have heard of many, perhaps fifty, poor 
girls that great men prttjuded to be in love with, 
and I never knew one match to follow. Usually, 
the girl was deceived, and was then deserted. And 
you want to add another to the list. 

Mabgabet O, mother, do not talk so ; you make 

me very miserable. 

Mes. Haeiz: Do you think that lies will make 

you happy for a long time? The truth is what you 
need. Better be miserable now for a week or two 
than be disgraced for yoar whole life. 

Mabgabet I cannot believe men ate so bad. 

Mbs. Habtz Why cannot you believe me ? I 

have not lived 45 years for nothing. I will send 
for Father Bayer and Captain Oarmony, to come 
come here and tell you how it is at Court. They 
have eeen much, and know what men are. Experi- 
ence is worth something. 

Mabgabet— If there is so much bad faith, tbere 
can bb little satisfaction in life. 

Mes. Habtz — Look not for happiness here belo\ff. 



12 



That iB the preot lepfon of religion. This •world Is 
fnll of -vanity and vexation of spirit. 

Mabqabet— The sooner we die, then, the better. 

Muf. Haetz— Tea, if we are ready to die and the 
time fixed lor our departure has come. 

Mabgabet I rray that my time may come soon. 

Mrs. Haetz— You must speak so, my deughter; 
that Is rebellion against the Lord's will. Promise 
me that you will not speak to professor Faust again, 
and that you will not go to coueib Martha's. 

Mabgabet — I promise you. 

Mas. Hartz_.Do you promise merely for the sabo 
of obedieDce, or is it done cordially ? 

Mabgaeet — I give the promise with all my heart, 
but very sadly. I suppose thtt I have been fooUi-h 
and that I cugtt to folJow the advice of such a good 
mother. 

Mes HABTZ—lhank you, my dear. I can trust 
you; jou know that I love you and will care for 
your welfare. I fear thi.t I shall not live very long, 
and I must try to And a husband for you ; some 
man in your own station of life. I will give you a 
good dowry. You will let me choose a husband for 
you, will you not? 

Mabgabet — I will have much respect for your 
choice. 

MB3 Habiz — .Bless you, my dear girl ; you wero 
always obedient till you met this dangerous m n, 
and I am glad that you now understand his wick- 
edness. 

BOENE II In Front of the Ohutcb — Mabgabet 

Coming Out. 

Faust [stepping up to her] — .Margaret, did you 
send the messKga that I maai, not speak to you any 
more? 

Makgaest — Yes, sir. 

FAXJtT What have I done to cffand you ? 

Mabgauet Mother eays I must not listen to you. 

Faust Stiall I go with you to see her? 

MABGiBET — No. 

Faujt Did you send me the message because 

your mother ordered yoa to do so? 

Mabgabet .Yes, sit, anl because I believed bar 

when she told me that you were trying to deceive 
me. 

Fausx— But you did not discover any falsehood 
In my words? 

Mabgabet — No. sir. 

Faust You believed ma when I said I loved yoa ? 

Mabgabet— Yes, sir. 

Faust— Aud when I promised to marry you ? 

Mabgabet— Yes. sir. 

FAUtiT— And when I told you that I had sent to 
get a release from my vows ? 

Mabgabet — Yes. sir. 

Faust— 4.tid after you had learned to know me, 
and had heard the story of my life, and knew Ibat I 
had solicited release irom my vows, that I had thus 
injured, if not de.strojed, all chance of my prefer- 
ment in the Church or in the Dniveraity, all for 
your sake, and had prepared for an entire change of 
my life, in which all my happiness was to depend 
apon you, you could then accept to my discredit the 
opinion of somebody else who did net know me, 
and discard me without a chance lo say a word in 
my owp justitication ? 

Mabgabet 'J, Henry, do not reproach me. Allow 

BometbiDg f.ir my inexperience. 

FaUst — You did love me ? 

MARGiBST — More than my life. 

Faust — If you loved me as you say you did, how 
oould your lova be swept away by a word ? 

M ABQAf.' T - The y >U!jg are under the Influence of 
the old. When my mother told mo how the coortierB 



mislead poor young girls, and how it is the cnstom 
of the men that want to marry to go first to the par- 
ents, I had to believe her. It surely cannot be a 
great mistake for a girl to be guided by her mother 
in such matters. 

Faust — I must go with you to see your mother. 

Mabgabet -No. She is a headstrong, passionate 
woman ; she would shut the door in your face and 
make my life miserable. 

Fauh — Can I not go to your brother and explain 
to him? 

Mabgabet— No ; he's off in the -war, 

Kaust — Have you no friend to whom I can go ? 

Mabgabet — My mother would be very angry if she 
knew that you had spoken to my Aunt Marks or to 
my Cousin, Mrs. Swerlin, and those are my only rel- 
atives ; she bates them both. 

Faust— Am I to understand that you will never 
love me afiain? 

Mabgabet . I fear that I shall never cease to love 
you. 

Faust— Why fear ? 

Mabgabet- Is it not enough to make fear to have 
a good mother on one side and an unconquerable 
love on the other ? 

Faust — Is it unconquerable? 

Makgaret — The longer I listen the stronger it 
becomes. I cannot doubt you when I hear your 
voice. If you are a deceiver, then deception is nec- 
essary to my happiness. The pSeasures 
which I have enjoyed in your company are 
far higher than any I ever enjoyed or had any 
conception of before The sua has been brighter, 
the sky clearer, the breezs mora grateful, my heart 
beats more freely, my eouI has felt a stimulus be- 
fore unknown, and I seem to h~ in harmony with 
the landscape, with all the people that I see, and 
with myself ; and since I was forbidden to see you, 
all has become black, and I have been supremely 
unhappy. 

Fau t —Tell me what I can do to prove my sincer- 
ity. Any promise, any condition, any security that res- 
son caa demand that I will give. If all men are dishon- 
est, you should go into a nunnery ; if some are honest, 
then I am. Why trust your happiness to any man, 
if not to lae ? I am not less fitted to love and to be 
happy in my love than yoa are, and you are as 
necessary to me tor the pleasures of my life as yoa 
said I was t3 you. 

Mabgabet— I still say so; I still think so. I 
shall never be happy without you. As for security, 
I can think of none, and I ask none. I will believe 
and trust you, no muter what they say against you. 

Faust — When shiU we meet again ? 

Mabgabet— I cannot see jou at the house ; I never 
go out except to church, and then usually with one 
of the nelgat>or girls, and even if I were alone. It 
would nut do to be seen speaking to you, for mother 
might hear of it, 

Fau t — W>iy put me off ; I stay here for your sake 
only. I wish I could visit yoa ia the evening. 

MABGABET_It Cannot be. 

Faust — Does not your mother, like most of the 
old village folk, take a glass of beer every evening. 

Mabgabet -Yes. 

Faust — .1 will give you something to put in her 
beer, and make her sleep like a block. 

Mabgabet — I would be afraid. 

Faust — It would make her healthier and stronger 
than she is now. 

Mabgabet — And do her no harm ? 

Faust -Not the least, 

MABGABET—ghe complains now that sleeplessniss 
causes her much disccmfort. 



13 



Fatjst — This wonld cure ber. Will you try it ? 

Maboabet — Perhaps. 

Faust — I will leave a litUe bnt'-Ie under the door- 
step ibts evening. Be careful to give her just three 
drops at a time ; never a drop more or less. In two 
hours she will be asleep, and for eight hours you 
may shake her and scream in her ears as much as 
you please without disturbing her rest. When she 
is iu bed you can put the candle near the window 
and open the blind a little as a signal to me. 

Makgaeet — O, Henry, I fear that I love you too 
much. 

Faust — I will deserve it all. Ton shall share my 
fortunes, and I will share yours. 

Mabgabet— Yon must leave me now. I must 
hasten home. Ksmember the promise. 

Faust — I will be true to it, no matter what the 
cost. This is the first time since I declared my love 
that I must leave you without a kiss. 

JVfABGABET - And I hope the last. 

Faust -And shall I see the signal soon ? 

Mabgabet - Soon. 

Faust— I shall wait Impatiently till then, [exit 
Faust ] 

Mabgabet [Zoofcinfl' after Ziirn] —Mother was right 
when she said a man could persuade a woman to 
anything. But how easy it irt to be persuaded by 
such a man as Henry. Wtaat have I promised him ? 

to drug my mother, to admit him into my room at 

night ! I broke my promise to my mother that I 
would not speak witlj him ; shall I beep my promise 
to him? Duty seemed to point ytstt-rday in ona 
direction, and to day It points just the other way. 
Which shall I take? My juSferaent hesitates; but 
love insists upon being my guide, and him I shall 
follow. 

SCENE III — Door of Mrs. Habtz's house. Maega 
BET and Miss Gbeen. 

Miss Gbeen — Have you heard about your cousin 
Barbara ? 

Mabgab^t — Not a word. What's the matter ? 

Miss Qkeen— A fearful scandal. She has run off. 

Mabgabst — Impossible ; she was one of the nicest 
girls in town. 

Miss Qbeen — No mistake about it. I met a man 
that saw her in Vienna. 

Mabgaret — In Vienna? How did she get there? 

Miss Gbeen John Slack took her there. 

Mabgabet — Why did they run away ? She was en- 
gaged to marry him, and her mother consented. 

MiBS Gbeen — He did not "mean it. He took her 
one evening to a dance, gave her some strong wine, 
carried her to his room, as he supposed, and when 
some travellers went to theroom there was a quarrel, 
and all the hotel people found the two loves-s there 
together. He told her that he would marry her in 
Vienna, started with her next morning, and left her 
as soon as he got (here. 

Mabgabet — Poor thing. 

Miss Gbeen -Well, she's your cousin, and you 
may pi'y her, but I don't. She was mightily stuck 
up because she was pretty and had more sch -01102 
than the rest of us. She was always as 
saucy as she conld be, and she used to 
sneer at the girls that had no teaux, end 
there is nothing that hurts more thun that. While 
our mothers made u« stay at home in the evenings 
spinning, she was off alone with her lover ; but at 
last she got alone with him once too often. 

Mabgabet — He will marry her, surely. 

Miss UBEEN—a,fter she has been disgraced? He 
Is not such a fool. 

MABGABET.—She has no disgrace save what he has 
brought on her. 



Miss Obeek — That was ber lookout. 

Mabgabet — Yon think he is a mean fellow. 

Mies Gbeen — No I don't. It she granted bim too 
many privileges that was her loss. She might do 
with some other man jutt what she did with bim. 
Ha is rich and young and good looking, and can get 
a wife that knows how to take care of herself. 

Mabgabet — He will never deserve one halt so 
good as she is. 

Mi9s Gbeen After she was engaged, she said she 

would not marry a country fellow. She wanted a 
city gentleman, or none at all. She might have 
known better than trust one of those Vienna chaps. 
They think that a country girl is not good enough 
for a wife, but they are always ready to fool around 
with one for p. few weeks while they are out rusti- 
cating. Barbara has learned her lesson on that 
point, and it is a pity that she did not get it sooner 
so that some other girls might have had the benefit 
of it in time to avoid a similar mistake. 

[ Exit Miss Green. 

Mabgabet — Insult InsuH. Something of this 
kind every day. Can it be possible that Henry Is as 
base as John Slack? He surely might have saved 
me from the disgrace, into which 1 have fallen. 
How do I know that be has asked for his release or 
that be would marry me if he got -it? But no, I 
can not doubt him ; if he were false there would bo 
no truth in mankind. Poor Barbara. How I could 
scold once if a girl made a slip. I could not find 
words bad enough, and now I am myself guilty and 
I can hardly see the sin. O Margaret, you are much 
changed since the time when a few months ago, you 
used to carry flowers every morning to the shrine of 
the Virgin Mary and say a little prayer, half child's 
play, half God in your heart. Poor girl, you need 
pity as well as Barbara. Your cousin ruined, 
yourself the subject of merciless soandal and ia 
danger of becoming an outcast, and all witbin a few 
months. Where will this end? Oh, that I could 
again have the quiet that I enjoyed before the arrival 
of the party from Vienna ; I would willingly sur- 
render my love and all its pleasures for a restora. 
tion of my innocence and peace of mind. If I were 
a man I could wipe out all the past by a sincere 
penitence. But there is no reward for the repent- 
ance of a woman. And still the world curses her 
because she does not reform after she has made a 
misstep. 

SCENE IV Night. On the Bridge in the City. 

Babbaba ; afterward, Slack. 

Babbaba — There is nothing left but death. I 
thought that the cUy must offer me a home, but 
when I looked at the people with whom I wonld 
have to associate, I t-aw new horrors. The flight 
from Tannwald was bad enough, but the welcome 
here was a thousand times worse. There is only 
one escape. Here it is before me ! 

I feared tlaat the look of the water would appal 
me. but it does not. It has, rather, a fascination. 
I had not the wisdom to live successfully, but I have 
at least the courage to die. It will soon be over. 
Life has been a failure, but it shall not be a long 
torture. My mind is set upon that. I feel no sense 
of filtering. 

People will say that I was insane. It is their 
privilege. I think the girl that would live the only 
life that is open to me would be a miserable coward, 
a tyrant to herself and a discredit to her sex. 

The time will come when the world will see it as 
I do. I have read that when a Hindoo dies, his 
body is burned and bis widow must jump into the 
flames and perish with him. She is applaudecl 
When she cheerfully makes the saoriflce of he; 



14 



life rattaer tban live In the hell which 
the bigots have prepared for thoae who 
refnse to sahmit to their superstition. We 
have diffarent social superstitions but they are just 
as narrow in their principles and as cruel in their 
resnltB. 

My suicide is the best protest I can make against 
the discord between human nature on one side, and 
the unluat conventionalities that oppress it ou the 
other, and if people do not understand the motive or 
reason of what I do I cannot help it. 

It may be necessary t) save society, but it is not 
necessary to throw the whole responHibility of 
saving it on the girls. We are told that love is our 
only career in life ; we are accustomed from early 
childhood to hear affecton and its incidents 
epoben of and treated by older women as t^ie 
chief feature of their existence and as the chief 
topic of interest ; so soon as we are out of our 
childhood, we are fenced ofif against the men and at 
the same time constantly b-set by them ; we are 
taught to make it our main business to dress for 
them and to adapt oar conduct to their tastes. Life 
l8 to be nothing but a torture for us unless we can 
pleastt hem. In our youth, innocence, inexperience 
and helplessness, we are pitted against ebeir 
maturity, their wiokodnsss, tbeir wits trained in the 
struggle of business, their elcquence trained in tha 
schools and in wide social Intercourse. They come 
to ns clothed in wealth and power and honor and all 
the irresistible influences that surround ripe and 
successful manhood. Yet if we, with all our art- 
lessness, believe a word too mu3h oi yield a day too 
soon, all the blame falls upon us and none upon 
them ; and the punishment instead of being slight 
and bearing some reasonable proportion to the of- 
fence, is made life-long in its duration and almost 
infinite in its severity. Peath is a small protest 
against such an injustice. 

Why this fearful discord in human life? Natare 
tells us that woman was born to be the priestasa of 
love. These rounded outlines, ttiis full bosom, 
this white and tender complexion, taese soft 
muscles, these small and delicate hands are not 
made for the harsber struggles that must ba mot by 
the broad shoulders, the strong arms and the rugged 
form of the man. The sout of the woman, like her 
body, demands love as ^he first condition of tha ful- 
filment of her destiny. Her sensitive nerves aud 
her timorous disposition demand the constant sup- 
port of man's steady courage. Her fir^t impulse 
when she awakens to the full cousciousuesii of her 
womanhood is to adopt an ideal of a hero and then 
confer it on some man, whom she raises into her 
idol. This impulse is irresistible even when she is 
conscious of her incapacity to comprehend the 
secret and complicated motives that govern the ac 
tion of the man and of her iuabiiity to form a ju^t 
opinion of his charactjr. Her training strfngthaus 
the tendencies of nature. She is reared in secIusioQ, 
taught that she has but one resource and one des 
tiny, and that all her happiness is to come to her 
through one man, upon whom she is to bo de- 
pendent. 

Nature fits her for love and makes love the 
snpreme law of her being ; society littaohes incon- 
sietsnt and inharmonious conditions, which are often 
not understood rntil they have been violated. 
Nature tells us that lova is tie highest of all gancti- 
fications, and in our unprotected and uuinstrncted 
youth, hides from us the hard laws that punish 
with unrelenting and more than draconic severity, 
offenoee that, jadged in the Oourt of reason and 



mercy, are, at the worst, but weaknesses of judg- 
ment and sacrifices of self. 

And because I am a woman ; because I have loved 
in obedience to nature ; because for one moment I 
forgot those social laws, so hard to learn, so impos- 
sible to comprehend, so hateful to those who have 
incurred their penalties, and set so irresistible ; 
because of this, I am threatened with all the punish- 
ment within the reach of the social Inquisition — 
the scornful look, the scandalous lip. dally insult, 
perpetual exclusion from all respectable company 
and from every happy association an infamy that 
shall blast the life of myself, my relatives, my 
friends, and my children. All the crusl results of 
the discord between nature and society must be 
borne by woman and by woman alone. 

For the man there is no penalty. He who solicits, 
urges and controls the woman ; he who always 
insists upon exercising authority over her ; he who, 
by his relation to her, is usually her master ; he to 
whom she must entrust her happiness ; he who de- 
liberates and foresees, while siie do?,s not ; he who 
plots to abuse the conQdenca whicb he encourages 
her to place in him ; he who could repair the 
damage, in which he is equally a party and for 
which he is mainly responsible, and does not ; he 
who, after sending one woman to a fats worse than 
deatn, instead of ropoDting, boasts of his success and 
makes it bis ambition and his business to treat 
others in the same way — for him there is no punish- 
ment. My djing curse upon such a social 
organization, and upon Jo.^.n Slack, who represents 
it [Enter Slack.] 

Slack -Halloo I Yon here? [Barbara turns avjay.\ 

Slack [calehinif her dress] — Dju't pretend you 
don't know me. 

Babbaea — Oh, John I Is that you ? 

Slack — How's business. 

Bakbabj — Wbat? I do not understand. 

Slack— Don't play virtue with me. Yonder is 
a man. 

Bakbaba — Your words toitare me. 

Slack — ire you not here to find a friend? 

Barbabj— Eow cin you insult me so? Is it not 
enough tnat you have disgraced me ? 

Slack — I have shown you how to have a much 
jollier life than any of your old friends. They live 
in pitiful huts, with no company but half a dozen 
equalling brats and a stupid, coarse husband. Its 
nothing but drudge and dirt. I have given you the 
chance to live in the city, with leisure and luxury, 
and select your own company. 

Baebaba — I have seen what you call luxury, and 
I have come here to die in preference. I have left 
letters telling my story and yours, and when tQey 
take my body from the river tD-raorrow they will 
know that you were the cause of my death. 

Slack — Do you suppose anybody will believe a 
woman living as you do ? 

Babbaba — As I do? You think, then, that I have 
become public; but I have been spared. Those 
wretchtd women have pitied and protected me. 
You are the only man that can prove my dishonor, 
and everybody will believe the woman that seals her 
word with her blood. I have written out a full and 
careful account of your villainy, and it may scare 
away other scoundrels like you and save other girls 
like me. My disgrace ends now; yours shall last as 
lontj; as you are too cowardly to die. 

Slack — You cannot frigbten me. 

Babbaea — I do not want to. 

Slack — I mean that you cannot deceive me with 
your threats. 

Babbaea — You deceive yourself if you think 1, 



15 



bave Qot written, or that I will not die to-.nlgbt. 

BiiAOK — You eeeoQ to be in a fit of fury, but I will, 

at any rule, stop the dying and give you over to the 

police, 80 tbat you can repent in thi cilaboose. 

[Attempts to seize her. ] 

Babb&ba [springing hack and drawing a dagger'^ — 
Must it be murder an well as suicide? 

Slack— You would n )t kill me ? 

BABBiBA — Consider youraelf lucky that yon are 
alive — tnat is, if a scoundrel can have any luck in 
living. I bought this daggor tbree days as<o, intend- 
ing to assHssinate you, and then watched two d^ya 
for you ; but I am now content to die and leave yon 
with the brand of infamy on your brow. Wher^iver 
John Slack shows himself, there the ghost of Bar 
bara Marks will be seen at hia side by all who know 
my story. 

Slack— Give me the dagger ; you once pretended 
to love me. 

Babbaba— The pretence was not on my side. If 
you come too near, you shall have the dagger .-to 
the hilt. You have deceived me for the last time. 

Slack -I had no idea you had so much character, 
and I made a mistake in not marrying you. Drop 
this nonsenee. and I will keep you la comfort. 

Babbaba — .That is not enough. 

Slack — I mean that I will marry you, 

Babbiba — I beliflve : that promise once too often. 

Slack— I will keep the promise now. 

Babb.^ba — .Whst secnrity have I ? 

Slack — Vly word of honor. 

Babbaba — Your honor ? The honor of a man who 
drugged me for the purpose of ruining me, and who, 
after having had time to think of the wrong he had 
done me, took me to the city, pretending he wanted 
to marry me there, and deserted me, thus cutting 
me off forever from respectable socif ty. 

Slack — .There are reasons why I should keep the 
promise now. Before, I thought you were a dull 
girl ; I see, now, that you are a woman that a man 
cannot help admiring. Besidej, your uncle Fihren 
back has been to me to-day, and has offered me 
20,00U florins if I would marry yon. He wanted me 
to beep this a secret, but I suppose I may as well 
tell you. I intended to comi to you to-morrow. 

Babbaba — I pray Heaven that no other girl may 
have her wits sharpened and her courase driven to 
desperation by such cruel trials as mine. Neither 
marri,\ge, nor any anything else that you could offer, 
would pay me for living with you. The sight, the 
mere thought of you, would embitter every moment. 
Neither would iO 000 florins pay you for mi>rrying 
ma. If I were penned up with you, your life would 
not be safe for a day. 

[Hi moves toward her and makes a motional if to 
gratp her right hand. She observes him, and draws back 
as if in strike ] 

Slack — I see that I may as well leave you. 

Babbaba [ca'ching hint ivi'A her left hand arid 
raising the dajger ready to strike.] — No 1 You stay 
here. Down on your knees ; quick auou: it. Djwnon 
your other knee ; take off your hat ; put your hands 
together. Hold them Mp hit^her. Now repeat : 
• < By the Sacred Cross, by the flesh and blood of the 
Savior, by the Holy Trinity, I swear never again to 
plot against, never again to deceive, never to again 
abuse, never again to wrong, never again to betray a 
woman." [He repeats, clause by clause, after her.] 
Mow you stay there. Do not move, if you do not; 
want to feel tbe whole length of this steel. If you 
budge I will be upon you in an instant, filind, yon, do 
not call for any one to rescue me. It would ba of 
no nse, my dress is loaded with lead and there is no 
boatman near. If I were saved I would kill you. 



You shall be the wltne?8 as well as the cauae of my 
death. Now hold steady while I step on your 
shoulder. [She mounts the parapet of the bridge and 
tprings into ike rioer. He rises and looks over the para- 
pet.] 

Slack- She floats, she looks at me as if she were 
cursing me, she holds up her dagger, she sinks, she is 
gone. Perhaps she will rise again, no she does not. 
It is al! ovHr. I made a great mistake when I selected 
her for a victim. Who would have thought that 
such ai mild and quiet girl as she was when I first 
knew her would turn int J such a fury 1 Well, I ehall 
never see htir agiiin. That's ooe satisfaction, [He 
looks up and sees her spirit in the clouds dressed in white 
cursing hirn, he falls on his knees ] Wercy Barbara, 
have mercy. 

Act IV. 
SCENE I — The street. Albebt, aiterward Faust- 

Albebt — Yonder comes our Faust. I wonder 
whether his love has not cooled off by this time» 
I ataid away long enough lo let his fever eyhanst 
itself. Ihopehewill not be delighted at having 
a refusal. A Oardinftl's hat would not displease him 
after all. May be I shall be rewarded for bribing 
the Secretary of the Council to write a refusal. 
Here he comes, [Enter Faust. He takes both of Al- 
berts hands.] 

FkusT- -Welcome back to Tannwald. You have a 
favorable answer for me, of course ? [Albert takes out 
a paper and gives it to Faust ] 

Albebt — I'liat is the Secretary's letter, 

Fau-t [while opening the letter] -You staid much 
longer thaa you promised, | He reads and then iays] 
But what is this? Accursed luck I The Council re- 
fuse. 8uoh a thing is unheard of. [ Walking up and 
down ] Good Beavena ! What is to be done? I wi 1 
never desert Margaret. I must go to seethe Em- 
peror in person ; he will not deny me. Albert, I 
hava done you some favors, and will do more for 
you, if you will do one for me. 

Albbbt— Certainly. What is it 1 

Faust — I have heard that you are engaged to Mrs, 
Sweriin ? 

Albebt — It's true 

Faust — Then I wish that you would marry h: r 
soon. I know this is asking much of you, but I am 
indebted to her for the opportunities of meeting 
Mart^aret, and if I am to keep on going there, it 
would iook better for both women that Mrs. Swer- 
iin should b-i married. Beside, I would prefer 
when I go away from here to know that Margaret 
will be under some better protection than that of a 
woman. You shall lose nothing by it. Let the 
wedding come ofl' as soon as possible. Margaret 
has a brother and several cousins in the Army and 
I do not know how they might treat her in my sb- 
Benoe, if she had no man to defend her. When you 
are her cousin you can taka her part, and when I 
become your cousin by marriage I will bs a bettar 
friend to you than ever before. I shall give some 
money to Mrs. Sweriin and tell her what I have told 
you 

Albebt — Agreed. 
SC'iNE II — Miss Behe 8 Hons,'- — Lina witha Broom. 
Afterward, Helfenstein and Miss Behb knock 
al tUB Door. 
LiNA [ansiv(ring\—.Gomfi in. 

Helfensiein [entering] -Is Miss Behr at home ? 

Lima— No, sir ; but sue will bs here soon. Will 
yon sit down and wait for her ? 

HELFBNsTEiff If you Will entertain me. 

Ills A. [decidedly] .No sir. 

[Be chucks her under the chin,'^ 



16 



tiisi. [glaring at him] — If you oan't behave you 
Kunat go. M.J mistress may not be here for a long 
time. 
Helfenstein — You look pretty 'When you soowl. 
LiNA — You would look much better if you would 
act like a gentleman. 

HsLFKNaTEiN— Do you Want a gentleman to be 
afraid of a pretty girl ? 

Lima — He can avoid insulting her without being 
baehful. 

HKLFEN3TBIN— Ton are as witty aa yon are pifetty. 
I did not mean to offend you. Tou will let me stay, 
will you not? 

LiNA I suppose I have no right to order away 

visitors who come to see my mistress, 
Helfshstein — Is Mies Behr good to you ? 
LiNA — She is very etriot. 

Helfemstein — Would you not like to live in a cas- 
tle at Vienna ? 

LIHA [asi(ie] — This is a rogue ; I will see what he 
meaoB. [To Helfenstein] Ever so much ; but I am 
poor and cou'd not get another place if went away 
from here without a recommendation. 

Helfenstein — I am a fortune-teller ; let me see 
your hand. [Ske holds oat her hand. Miss Behr petps 
in at the winilow.] 

Helfenstein I tatin^ ii] — Yes, here are the lines 
of fortune and fashion. You will spend much of 
yonr life at the Court. 

LiNA — Will that come true? 

Helfenstein— Just as certain aa that men admire 
a bright face and enjoy ready wit. Here is a line 
that says you will marry a man witti a big blonde 
moustache. 

Miss Behb [asid«] —Giving away my property. 
LiNA [looking al him] — You have a blonde mous- 
tache. 

Helfenstein | stroking his moustache] —Do you 
think it is ugly? 
LiNA— No, sir. 

Helfenstein— Would you be aatiefled to have 
Buch a one near yon occaeionally ? 

Mias Behb | asic2ej- Where's the woman that 
would not? 

LiNA Yes, if its owner bad a right to be there. 

Helfenstein— And then yon could be kind to 
him? 

Miss Behb [aside] — I'll be kind to both of yon. 

LiNA It is ^uot in my heart to be cruel to any 

man. 

Helfenstein — Let us see. | Catches her and at- 
tempts to Jiiss her. ] 
IjINa [resisting] -Let me go. 

Helfenstein ikissiig her] -Yon will not drive me 
out now. [Miss Behr shaking her fist at them] 

LiNA— No, but don't you think you deserve to be 
driven out? 

Helfenstein — What would become of the men in 
cold weather? 
Miss Behb [aside] —Let 'em freeze. 
LiNA— Poor fellows 1 we must take pity on them. 
Helfenstein -I am engaged to marry your mis- 
tress, but I would rather take the maid. 
Miss Behb [asii«j — Oh ! you wretch. 
Lima — Miss Behr thinks she is good enough for 
anybody. 
Helfenstein— Do you think so, too? 

LiNA I don't always tell my thoughts. 

MiBS Behb [asii«] — Told too many already. 
Helfenstein — Is your mistresn rich? 
Lima —Yes ; she has more money than any other 
woman in Tannwald. 

Helfenstein — How sad for rich people, that aSeo- 
tlon will not always follow money. 



Mias Behb [aside] — Now he talks just like a bav> 
ber. 

LiNA — It would be unfair to let them have all the 
money and all the atJection, too. There would be 
notalng left for other people. 

Miss Behb [aside] -She is as bad as he is. 
Hblfenspeis — 1 am afraid that if you are about 
the house, alter I am married, I can never kiss her 
without thinking of you. 

LiNA — Oh 1 you naughty man. 

Helfenstein— You know as well as I do that you 
are pretty. 

LiNA— I think I am passable. 

Helfensteict — You do not need to be told that a 
man naturally prefers a young, lively and ' pretty 
girl to aa old, ug'y and nonsensical woman. 

MiS! Behs [atiie] — That's me. 

LiN^ — I hOi afraid that is so even when he is 
married to the old woman. 

Miss Behb [aside] — G-irls now have no moral 
principles. 

Helfenstein — ^ore then than ever ; and you 
would not be astonished at me if I did love you a 
little after being married to your mistress? 

Miss Behb [aside] — Was there ever a man that 
could be tru6t:!d 1 

LiNA — I have been told that a young husband 
witti an Old wife always makes love to other women. 

Helfenstein — \nd you will permit ma to love 
you ? 

LiNA — Perhaps. 

Miss Behb [aside] — Why don't she say "yes" while 
she id about ic. 

Helfenstein— The more I look at you, the prettier 
you appear. 
' LiNA —AH the men know how to flatter. 

HELFEN^TEIN — Such a face aa yours ia a provoca- 
tion tj praise. The truth itself may sound like 
flattery. 

Miss Behb [a-iie] — The women are all fools. 

LiNA — The t;irl8 like it whether it is true or not, 

Helfenstein — ind it is true that you are pretty, 
whether you liKa to hear is or nou. Since you per- 
mit it, I am going to make love to you. 

LiNA— And will you swear never to desert me? 

Helfenstein —By my salvation ; [He sils down 
pulls her en Id I kme anikiaes her,] aud you couid 
love me after I marry your mistreisa? 

LiNA — That nepd not tt md ia the way. 

Miss Behr [aside] — Qh ! fury ! 

Helfenstein —I'btn I'll tell you what we will do ; 
as soon us I can get hold of her money we will go off 
to Vienna and have a good time. 

Miss Behr goes to the dorr, steps in softly, locks fit, 
come.s forward, and, catcHng the broom, tays : That 
may be a long time. Uh, you perfldous wretch, 
[shaking the broom at Helfi-nstdi ] aud oh, you nasty 
minx, [shaking the broom at Li-^a ] do you take up 
with a VKgabond of a man at the urtt minnte ? 

Helfenstein — 'ihe's not any slower than her mis- 
tress. 

Mi-B Behe — Out of my house, both of yon. [She 
rushes at Bel/enstein vii'h ihe hroom.] 

Helfenstein [trying to get out of the front door] — 
D — n it, its locked. 

X.INA [on her knees]~.Oh pardon, mistress, pardon ; 
I did it to expose his villiany. 

Miss Behb -I'll pardon you as Boon as I kill this 
villain of a barber. You have exposed yourself. 

Helfen.-tein — That's not the way you tilked to 
me at the ball. 

Mis8 Behb— Oh, you scamp, to remind me of that 
dream of happiness. And you are the master that 
was going to teach me to conjugate the verb amo. 



17 



HBi.>'ENSiKjN_&.ncl yon are tbe lady that had for- 
gotten the rule for formiDg the third person plural 
of tae compound pluperfect tense ? 

Miss Bbhb-,Do you mook my misery ? Oh, that 
I oould punish you as you deserve. 

Lisa \ jumps up, rum iito the other room and comes 
baok with a red hot poJcer^—het'a give him a lesson. 
I put this in the fire for another purpose, but it 
Will come into play now. You will iasult my mis- 
tress, will you ? You come here to abuse the confi- 
dence of every woman in the village, did you? I 
was only pretending to like you, to see what yonr 
Intentions were. [Afler every sentence she gives him a 
punish with the poker, at which he winces 1 Will you 
ever pretend to be a gentleman again ? 

HELrENBTSiM— Never. 

LiNA—Never come to Tannwald again ? [Punching 
Aim.] 

Helfenbteiet —Never. 

Lima— Ever say a word to the disoradit of Miss 
Behr? 

Helfenstein —Never. 

LiNA.— Now, get out through that window as fast 
as you know how. [ParKhing him. Hi jumps out, 
the punching him as he goes. J 

IgMiss Bkhb — You are a good girl. You shall al- 
ways live with me, and be my heir. Well, it's all 
over. I will not marry a barber. Oh, what a hor- 
rid Bet the men are. I'll never look at anctier. 
[She sinks in a swoon. '^ 

Hklb'ehstkin [looking in at the window^— Tbe old 
fool has fainted oecause she has lost her last chance 
for a husband. 

LiNA — Iieave Tannwald to-day. To-morrow ev- 
erybody in town will know the story of the amorous 
barber and the hot poker. 

HGLi'ENsxGit; — D— n the girl, she baa got tbe best 
of one man. 

80ENE III. —Mrs. Pbinz's house. Mrs. Pbinz, Mrs. 
SWERLiN. Afterward Misses Behb and Gbeen', 
and Mr. Albebi. 

Mbs^ Pbinz — I have discovered a secret. Mr. Al- 
bert is having a wedding-ring made at the wiit^h- 
maber's shop. 

Mas. SWEBLIN — 4.re you certain ? 

Mas Pbinz — Yes ; no miatake. I overheard him 
speaking to the watchmaker about it. You may as 
well own up. 

Mas. awEBLiN — Will you promise never to tell? 

Mas. Pbinz —I will never breathe a syllable. 

Mbs. bWEBLitr—tJpon your word ? 

Mbs. Pbinz — Upon my honor. 

Mbs. Sweblin — Then I will tell you ; that ring is 
for me. 

Mbs. Pbinz — When are you to be married ? 

Mbs. Sweblin -Thursday of next week. You 
Bhall have an invitation to the wedding. I know the 
soul of my poor dear Anthony would be unhappy in 
Heaven, if he knew I was living a lonely life, with 
nobody to care for me. Good-bye ; I see Mr. Albert 
yonder. 

Mas. Pbinz— I congratulate you ; Mr. Albert is 
each a nice man. Good-bye. [Exit Mrs. Siverlin ] 

Mas. Pbinz — Plague take her I all the widows are 
getting married save me, and I am just as yonng 
and good looking as any of tnem. It won't do for 
me to be left alone. I must break up this match. 
There are enough old stories about her to rake up. 
Her poor, dear Anthony 1 it is only for his sake 
that she ia going to get married. She might know 
that people wonld only laugh &t puch nonsense. 
[Hater Mioses Behr and Green.] 

Mbs. Pbinz— Do you know that Mr. Albert ia go- 
ing to marry Mrs. Swerlin ? 



Miss Behih— He cannot be euoh a fool. 

Mbs. Pbinz— She told me so herself. 

Mus GasEN — If all the stories are true, they 
ought to havd bsBn married long ago. 

Miss Behr— Ha might have done better. 

Mm. Pbinz— (Jould he have done worse? 

Miss Green She has been a grass widow eight 
years, and she hus hiited with all the fast men 
about town. 

Miss Behb— And when they would not run after 
her she would riiu after thsm. 

Mbs. Prinz _8he spends mora money than she 
earns with her needle, and that is all she has to 
live on. 

Miss BEHB—S'ie has bean flush ever since the 
Vienna party has been here Those baohelora make 
the cash fly, 

Mi83 Green — They say she drinks. 

Miss Behb — Everybody knows that she is a terri- 
rible scold. That's what drove her flrat huabmd to 
his ruin. 

Mas Pbinz —She will spend her last cent for a 
bright ribbon. 

Mi33 Green —And she will not be particular where 
she gets it. 

Miss Behr .-She ia not a day under forty. 

Mrs. Trinz— But, then, I suppose that she is just 
as good as he is. 

Miss Green — If he could have got a wife where 
he was known, ha would nevar marry her. 

Miss Behr— He has nothing but the coat on his 
back. [Enter Albert ] 

Mas. Prinz _I congratulate you on your approach- 
ing marriage. 

ALBERT — Mrs. Swerlin told me that she let you 
know it und?r strict promise of secresy. 

Mas. Pbinz —The news made me so happy that I 
could not beap it to myself. Thss!! ladies are your 
best friends, and I know you would tell them. I 
made them promise Hecresy. 

Miss Behk [aside] How she lies I 

Albert [aside] -Tine secresy; two old maidis and 
a widow I 

Miss Green— I felicitate you on getting such a 
charming wife. She has not an enemy in town. 

albert — Thank you. I am glad to hear .vou speak 
so liindly of her. [Exit Albert.] 

Miss Behr [to Mrs. Kbne.] — The news made 
you so happy ! rhai'd good. You wouldn't have 
liked to get him yourself ? O, No I [Lavghs] 

Miss OBEEN_-\it>r talking as you did bHnina her 
back, I would not pretend to be such a friend of 
hers. 

Mrs. Pbinz —You were both of you worse than I 
was. You tuought you mignt get him away from 
her yet. I( I was a driedup, old maid, I would not 
make suiih a fool of myself. 

Mi-8 Green — You are just as bad as I am. You 
are as flit as a board. Mi*s Shanks, your drees- 
maker, told me about every pad there is on your 
bones. You needn't pat on any of your air.^ with 
me. If sou do, I will let out souiething tbat you 
would not like other people to hear, about Mr. 
Marks. 

MPS. Prinz — Well, there, my dear ; we have quar- 
relled enougu. Ijet's be friends again. 

Miss Gbeen — No, thank you ; I knew I could shut 
you up. By-bye ; I hope you will fce In a better 
humor when we meet the next time. [Miss Green 
and Miss Behr flaunt out, after making very low bows.] 
80ENE IV — Ura. Hartz's house. Evening — 
candle li»iht Mrs. Hariz and JVIarQabbi. 

Mrs. Habtz — .Margaret, you have been crying. 

MAsaABEi — I am unhappy. 



18 



Mbs. Habtz-^Tou have been sickly of late, and 
before you were so healthy. 

Maegaeet — I shall never be so strong as I was. 

Mrs. Hartz — You will soon get over that notion. 
People do not die of disappointment at your age. 
When jou get to be as old as I am you will have 
worries and trials of which you have no idea now. 

iilABGARET — I hooe X Will never have any worse 
then those that I have now. 

Mrs. Haetz —Girlish nonsense. Give me a glass 
of beer ? 

Maegaket \pniiring ovta glass of betr Jrom apifcher 
at the cupboard and aiding something from a vial — aHde\ 
_ Oh 1 what a mistake ! I've jiut in ten times too 
much. I must hide this glass. ^Fulting it in a cor- 
ner. Aloud] — Mother, I mu^t go to the cellar for 
some beir \ S/ie leaoes the room.^ 

Mrs. Haetz — There was some beer here before 
supper, ana I know she did not drink it. [Going to 
the cupboard and hunting round. | Y^^s, uere it, is. 
[Finds the g' ass tha Ma-garet has hidden, and drinks it. ] 
JPoor giri ! Mhe grieves i^bout mat man. When Val- 
entice nets home, we must fee more company. 

MAKGAEtT [returnivg, pours out a gla's at the cup- 
board, puts in a feu) drops Jrom tae vial'\ — This is 
cool. 

Mrs. Haetz [taking a sip'\ — I am thirsty this even- 
ing. Valentine wiil be here within a few weekt ; 
what Nhall we do to make it pleasant for him ? 

Maegabet — Some of his fellow soldiers will have 
to cottjo home with him, and I suppose he will want 
to spend h\» t'me with them. 

Me9 Haetz — You wanted him with you all 
through bis lat-t furlough. 

Makgabet — Yes, and he complained that I 
bothered hiui. 

Mes Haetz -You know that he was only joking. 
He was proiid to be bothered by you. 

Maegabet — I do not feel as if I wanted to run 
about with liui »« 1 did last year. 

Mb5. H etz— You are much changed. I feel sick 
and 1 am very <'iri.w8y. 

Margabet — Way do you not drink your beer ? 

Mbs Uaktz I tljought I could drink a second 
glass, but I ao not like the taste of the beer this 
evenir g. 

Maegaket — The second glass ! You have hardly 
tasttd the Qrut glass to-day. 

Meii. Hartz —I lad. a glass before this one. 

Mabgabet — You must have forgotien ; this is all 
you have ha(?. 

Mbs. Haetz — No there was a glass in the oupboird 
that jGU overloolied ; I drank that. 

Maegaeet [aoing to the cupboard, finding the 
empty glais and holding it tip]— You did not drink 
what wag in (his glKSi^. 

Mes. Haetz —Certainly, why not? 

Mabgabet — Good Heavens, mother, there was 
poison ill it. 

Mbs. Habiz —Poison ? How? Why? 

MAEG.ii.ET — Pardon, mother, oh pardon me, [fall- 
ing on h(r knees] I meant to pour a few drops in 
your beer to make you sleep, and poured out too 
much by mistake. I hope it will not hurt you. 

Mes Habtz Not hurt ma. I feel it already ; I am 
very sick. 

MAE3AEET — Perhaps there was not enough to hurt 
you. Do you know any remedy ? 

Mrs. Haeiz— Is that what has made me so drowsy 
of late and sleep so long? Have you given it to 
me before ? 

Maegaret [wringing her hands] — Yes, yes. 

Mb3. Haetz -Bring me some salt and water 
^aick. Perhaps that will help me. [Margaret riset 



and brings ihem. \ Mrs. Hartz mites (hem and drinks.'] 

Mbs. nABTZ™,How dizzy I am. Why did you 
want me to sleep ? 

Mabgaeet -Henry comes to see me at night. 

Mes. Haetz— Oomes to see you at night? In this 
house ? O, you abandoned girl I If I were not so sick 
I would drive you into the street at once. Is that 
the reward for all my trouble with you? You dis- 
grace jour.self and me, too. You poison me to get a 
chafice to ruin yourself. Do jou suppose I would 
keep such a girl in my house ? How long has this 
been going en ? [Looks at her.] And that is the ex. 
planiition of your sickness ? I have been blind. 

Maegabet — ! mother dear, spare me. [She 
cries] 

Mbs. Habtz- Spare you? Why did you not spare 
me? What will become of your brother ? This is the 
deKtruction of an old and honorable family. I be- 
lieved you when you promised you would not speak 
to him again. 

Maeg,\eet- I believed myself, bat I met him aa I 
was comii'g from church, and my Brm resolution 
gave way before his pleading. 

Mbs. Habtz - 1 would rather have the vilest beg- 
gar woman of the street in my house. People would 
not blame me for her mlsaonluct, but they will for 
yours. Where did you get the poison ? 

Maegabet He gave it to me. 

Mes. Habtz — O, the scoundrel I If I die, he is 
your accomplice in this murder. A nice pair of 
you 1 

Mabgaeet — I have had enough of this misera'jle 
life. There is more here than you drank ; let ma 
die with you. [Gets the vial, uncorks it, raises it to h(r 
lips, but Mrs. Harlz, rising, quickly grasps it, dashes il 
down on the floor, and sinks back in her chair.] 

Mbs. Habtz -How sick I am ; I tim dying. 

Maegabet . Let me run for the doctor ? 

Mrs. Habtz — ^o, it's too far. I should be gone 
before you could retui-n. The least you can do now 
is to stay with me. It will all be over in a few 
minutes. 

Mabgaeet — What shall I do without jou? 

Mes. Haetz — You do not want me. After I am 
dead you need not poison anybody else, unless it is 
your brother Valentine. He will soon be home 
from the war, and then he will be in your way. 
Get rid of him, and you and Martha can be as 
wicked as you please. 

Mabgaeet -You know I did not mean to harm 
you, mother ; I always loved yon. 

Mes. Haetz— Yes; you loved me till you met that 
villain Fau3t. O, the agony I Go for the doctor, 
quick. Give me some water. Anything to 
cool this burning. [ Marga^tt gives htr some 
water. She tries to drink but cannot, and spits it out.] 
I cannot drink. Open the window ; let me have 
some fresh air. [Margaret opens the window 1 Call 
Father Boyer to give me the latt unction. No; it's 
too late. You send me off with all my fins upon my 
head. O, what paiD ! [A knock is heard at the door.] 

MABGiBET [a.siie] — Good heavens ! it is Henry 
What shall I do? [ The knock is repeated.] 

Mes. Hab7Z — Wuo's there? [Maga^et opens the 
door. Margartt hesitates Faust looks in ; sees Mrs, 
Hartz. and draws back.'] Couie in. 

Faust — I have long wanted your consent to marry 
sour daughter. 

Mbs. Habtz— This is not ttie happiest occasion to 
ask it. 

Faust— It is my first opportunity, I begged Mar- 
garet months ago to let me call on you, and she told 
me you had strictly forbidden me to enter your 
house. 



19 



Mb3. HABiZ'-A.iid my daughter's condnot proves 
how you have compUed with my wishes. 

Faust— I hope t'jflt the blesGing of the Priest will 
soon cure all our troubles. 

Mas. tiABiz — After you have murdered ma. 

Fauit— 1 ao not ui;derBtaiid. 

BIB3. Habiz— I am dying, ahe hag Riven me an 
overctosa of your preecriptiou. [Fausl looks at Mar- 
garet J 

Margaret — It is true. By miatalie I poured out 
half the botUe into a glass of beer and while I was 
out of the room she drank it. I wanted to go for 
the doctor and ehe would not let me. Have you any 
remedy? Something sbould be done quickly. 

Fatjst — Let mo have some salt and water. 

Mes. Eartz- Too late. I have tried it. There is 
no help. I can not swallow anything. The worst 
of the pain is over. I feel the approach of death. 
My limbs are already benumbed ; the final chill will 
soon strike my heart. The assignation is net so 
happy as you expected. The stolen pleasures this 
time are bitter; you have come just ia tiuae to wit- 
ness the result of your wicked plotting ; but perhaps 
I should not coa'plaiu, since life would have been 
notbing but mlSfry for me after the ruin of my 
daughter. 

FaUbT- I will marry Margaret. She is not ruiued. 
I meant no harm. 

Mrs. Hab'xz -If you had, you could scarcely have 
done more. Do not try to cheat your own con- 
science. Whoever violates the law under pretencb 
of innocent motive is guilty of all the suffering that 
follows his act. Xou used the means aud you are 
responsible for the end. Before God, I accuse jou 
of muraer. 

Faust— Good Lord, madam, have some coosidera- 
tion for the future of your daughter. Pardon us our 
mistakes of judgment, and give ui4 your blessing, 

Mrs. Habtz— Kneel down before me. Join your 
hands. [ T/uy do so.'^ 

Mrs. Haetz —Margaret, I reared you with all ihe 
care and love that a mother could give to a 
daughter. You had at home every kiadnessi and 
comfort within reach of my means and your station 
in life. You came from a respectable family, had 
well-behaved companions and good religious train- 
ing. Notwitastanding all that, yon gave yourself up 
almost at the first sigbt to a strange villain. 

il'iARGARET — O, mother ! 

aiES. Habiz _A.nd you, Professor Faust, a learned 
and famous mau, accustomed t) Oouvt life, familiar 
with the arts of fasuionable society and with the 
weaknesses of woman's natu:e -regarding success in 
deceiving her as a source of pleasure, and finding 
in my confldiag Margnret a victim over whom you 
could triumpii — have now reached the culmination 
of your ambition in Taniiwald. Slie is ruiued be- 
yond redeaaptton for this life. You have not now, 
and never had, any intention to marry her, and with 
my last words — when 1 iesl tie hand of deatin about 
to stop the pulsations of my heart- I give you butti 
my dying crrse — I repeat it, my dying curse. It 
shall follow yoa through thi^ world and the next. 

[Ske falls ia-.k aaid dies.] 

Act V. 
SOENE I — Mbi. Sweelin's Bouse Faubt and Mab- 
GABET (in black) . 
Margaret— O, Henry 1 what will you say to Mar- 
garet now ? 
Fau?t That I love her more than ever. 
Magaebet— I cannot help thinking of mother's 
death. 
Faust.-Tou must not grieve about that. When 



we are married you will be happy. You must dis- 
miss unpleasant thougbts from your mind. 

Maboabet — ft Is fearful to think I murdered her. 

FaUjT — You must not call that murder. There is 
no murder wttfiout a wicked iatc-ntion. You loved 
her an'l meaat her no har-oi. 

Margaret —Indeed I loved her. 

Faust It was an accident ; you must m t ihint 
of it or tell of it. Tiiink only of the h iypiaess tUat 
must be curs as soon as we are married. 

Mabgabet Mi^tisr's death was terrible, and she 

cursed you. 

Fausi— Sbe did not know how honestly I love 
you. 

VfABGABET— I cannot fix my mind upon our love. 
Whenever I am alone, I am haunted by spectres 
that torture me. 

FAUi^T— Yju do not doubt my fidelity ? 

Mabgabet— No; but my mother's curse rings in 
my earr,. I feel that I have exposed myself to «reat 
danger, and I am oppresi^ed by a vague fear that I 
am to undergo cruel suffering. I am about to be- 
come a mother, and I am not yet a wife. I wi'liugly 
braved scandal for your sake, but the death of my 
mother, my brother's cruelty, the delay in our 
marriage, my exclusion from society, the insults to 
which I am nubjeoted whenever I go into the streets, 
and the anxiety which I see in your face at times 
when you do not know that I am observing you, 
have destroyed my pence of mind. Have you any 
secret cause of worry ? 

Faust — Nothing but t le delay ia our marriage. I 
waited Jong for a reply to my petition for I-,ave to 
marry, and at laat I have received an answer, but it 
is a retusal. 

Margaret -A refusal. Tnen you will desert lae? 

FAUaT — Mover, by all th'it ii sacred. I suspect 
some trickery or mistake, and 1 mu-t see tae Em- 
peror himself. He cannot refuse me. 

(Waegabet - Then you will 1 ava mj? 

Faust — Oaly for a few weeks, soou to return, and 
never lo leave you again. 

Margaret — Uenry, when you talSi so I must be 
happy. 

Faust -Albert wants to serenade Mrs. Sverlin to- 
night, and I maf come with hioi. 

Mabgabet — I will peep out to see you. 

SOENE ir — street before Mes. Sweblin's door. 
Vanentise, afterward Albsbt, t'AU-T, i! abgaret, 
Mb9, 8WEELIN, and others. 

Valentine — There was a time when it was a pleas- 
ure for me to sit at our mess-table ia the t- vaniogs 
and hear the fellows bragging of their fuvoritss 
among the girls, and I would listen to it all and 
stroke my beurd with satisfaction, and after they had 
done I would take my fu!l glass and say, " Evary. 
body to his taste, but is t lere another in the whole 
country like my sister Margaret?" Tiiey would cry, 
" He ia right ; she is the ornament of the whole 
sex" And ttien the braggrirtti wsro dumb And 
now ? 0,1 could teir my heart out. iivery rascal 
turns up his nose and cats me with insulting hints. 
And yet I can not give them tco lie. I must iret at 
evf^ry acaidealal word. Here comes STrueaody. If it 
be he, I will kill him on t lespot. [ Ent'r Aiburt and 
Faust, the forma- strumming on a guitar, as if about to 
play 1 

Valentine L t a see whetber you can play on this 
inf.trumeut. [Draws his sword a'ld atajJis Albert. 
Albert and Faust draw ] 

l''AUtiT \to Abed^ — I will narry. Yoa disarm him. 
[ They make seoera' passes, Valeviine evidtntiy furious, 
Albtrt runs him though. ] 



20 



Valeniine — Murder 1 Mnrfler I 

Faust [aiig'ily to ^{6«r<J_You have killed him, 

Albebt —Did you want him to kill me? There 
waa uo half way with him. 0>nQe, qnic'S, or we 
shall be cauiht. I hear the watch. f 'I'hey leave. 
People come running, Margaret and Mrs, ISuierlin 
among than ] 

Me3. SwEBLiN — Here is one dead man. 

Valentine — Not dead jet. 

M^BGABET V?ho is it ? 

VALENTINE —Your mother's son. 

Mabgaret — O, Gol I What agony I 

Valentine — I'm djing, that's all. Oome here, 
you women, aod stop your crying. I have a word 
tosiytojoa. ['I'hfystepn'arer.] miirgaret, you are too 
young 7' t to have muca sense ; .vou have not managed 
well ; I have a little secret to tell you ; you are a 
harlot. 

Margaret Good Lord, brother, how can you 
sppak 80 ? 

Valentine- You have no right to call on the 
Lord. It'fi too late now; wbat'a don« can't be 
mended. You begin with one ; then others come, 
and soon the whole town hiis ynu. rthacce is born 
in the dark, and hides under the veil of night at 
first, bu' toon ventures out into the daylight. The 
more hateful it is, the more public it becomes. I 
already see the time when all your old friends will 
Shun you as they would a smail-pox corpse. You 
will end your days in rags and Ulth in a dark corcer, 
among beggars and thieves, and if God forgives you 
in Heaven, it will ba more tlian man will do on 

Mrs. SwEHLiN — You wretch, flow can you take 
eartli. 

advantage of such a time to tortare your unfortunate 
Bister? Everybody knows that that ecar on your 
face was got in a drunken Gght at that infamous 
house near the mil!. Leave others alone. Oora- 
mend your soul to your Savior and repent your 
wicKednesp, 

Valentine — You shameless bawd. If it had not 
been for the assignatioaa made in your garden, all 
would hive been well to-day. If I only had strength 
enough to run my sword through your ribs, I would 
more than atona for all my sios. [Lung s furiously 
at h(r with his sword 1 

Mabgabet— Valentine ! Oh, Valentine 1 

Valentine — Stop your tears. When you loot 
your honor, you gave ma a wound more painful 
than this one from the BV?ord of your (seducor. [He 
dies ] 

80ESE III- In the Eoad— T*o Peasants, then Baron 
Riitekstahl, Staff and Followers. Including 
Akthonx Swerlin, and finally Albert and Mrs. 
SwERLiN and Wedding Crain —Music in Distance. 

First Peasant — They have a nice day for the 
wedding. There ttiey como. 

Second Peasant— A'ld joDder, on the other side, 
comes the regiment that left here eight years 
ago lor the wars. These fellows with fine 
toggery lauHt be tbe Colonel and his staff [Enter 
Baron RiltersiaU, staff and followers, includ ng Mr. 
Suierlin ] 

Kiitekstahl [to Pta'ant] — What does yonder 
music mean ? 

First Peisant — There has osen a wedding. Mr. 
Albert and Mrs. vSwerlin have been married. 

Me. Swerlin — What Mrs. Swerlin? 

Peasant— Tlae widow of Anthony Swerlin that went 
ag a tolditr in Ritterstahl's rfgiment. 

Mb. Swerlin [to Rittersta'dj — My wife, by all 
that's holy. [toPeasa7it\ What became of her first 
basband ? 



Peasant — Mr. Albert, the gentleman that married 
he, brought news of his death in ttie warn. 

Mb. Sweblin— Is this Mr. Albert rich 7 

Peasant--No ; but I gmss it was the best she 
could do. [Exeunt Peasants. '^ 

Mb Sweblin --Baron, do you like fun ? And If 
you will assist me we'll have a jolly bit of it. I 
know how to do it ; I saw something like it once 
before. 

Baron --Oertainly, Anthony, what is it ? 

Mb Swerlin - Let me put on some old rags and 
claim my wife's hand when she cornea up, and see 
how she will act. Then, H you say so, I will put 
on your clo^k and hat, and pretend to ba command- 
er of this regiment, and order everybody about, and 
s^e how 8he t eats me then. 

Baeon — But won't that disturb your domestic fe- 
licity ? 

Mr. Swerlin — Beg pardon for the profanity. Baron; 
but a btt er name would be, domestic hell. I would 
not live with her for the revenue of a Prince. She 
never left me in quiet for a day. I would rattier 
cbarge the Swiss spears than sit still under the lash 
of nt<r toDgue. 

Baron — All right, Anthony ; it shall be as you say. 
Gentlemen of the Staff, attention 1 Until I give >oa 
contrary orders, you are t > obey Anthony Swerlin 
with the same forms of respect that you pay to me. 
Gall hitn Baron Swerlin. and do everything to make 
people think him commander of this regiment. 

Mb. Swerlin — Oome, Hans, let me have your hat 
and cloak [Hans, in a beggerly dress, comes forward 
and hesitates \ Don't be afraid; I will give them 
back to you. [Taking the hat and holdivg it up \ I 
believe in ventilation. This suits me. Who's your 
hatter? When I get rich, I intend to wear a bat 
like this every day. There is nobody in this regl. 
ment that pays more regard than you do to one- 
half of the precept that you must keep your head 
cool and your feet warm. JXow, the cloak. [ Taking 
it and holding it up.] The fellow that cut this cloak 
was a genius, ttiouga something of the original ef- 
fect has been injured by the envlovs tooth of time. 
This suits my new dignity. [Parading round in it} 
Win I do for the command of the regiment? Baron 
Bitterstaht is a good fellow ; but he can never learn 
to put on the grand airs of a military 
commander. If I only had time 1 would give him 
a lesson. But here they come. Remember that I am 
to be a beggar until I taEe the Baron's cloak and 
then you must treat me as you would a Oommander- 
in Chief. Do not spare ceremony. I want to feel, if 
only for a few minutes, how it is to be approached 
with awe and trembling. Lieutenant Oirmony, go off 
to a distance, address a note to B.iroa Swerlin pur- 
porting to come from General Martenstein.and bring 
it to me when you see mo wearing the hat and cloak 
of Baron Ritteratahl, and when I give you the sig- 
nal. 

Lieut. Oarmony — Yes, sir. [Goes cff.] 

[Enter Mr. Albert, Mrs SioerKn on his arm and others, 
Mr, Swtrlin advances to Mrs. Stutrlin,.! 

Mr. Swerlin — My dear Martha, I am back at last 
from the wars. 

Mes. Sweeliu — Fellow, I don't know you. 

Mb Sweelin -I am your loving husband Anthony 
Swerlin. 

Mrs. Swerlin — This is my husband, sir. You're 
an impo^iier. My first husband died in Padua a 
year ago. I can prove it. I have the affidavits In 
my house. 

Mb. Sweblin — Can't you believe your own eyes 7 
Don't you recognize this scar that yoa made pa my 



21 



forehead with a brooinsticli tie morning after we 
were married. 

Mbs. Bweblin -You lie; I didn't. 1 ou were 
druiih and fell cut of bed aod out jourself. Ihat is, 
id's first husband did. But you are not the man and 
you don't look a bit like him. 

Mb. SwEBLiN — These gentlemen all know me ae 
Anthony Swerliu. 

Mb9. Sweklin — I don t care. 1 never saw you bet 
fore, and I don't want to see you again. 

Mb Swerlin — Madam, perhap'j yon will reccgnizs 
me when I throw off this btggarly dress and put on 
that which belongs to my rank. Pardon me for the 
trick that I have been playing. Tie fortune of war 
turned in my favor. I won promotion on the battle- 
field'. I am rich, and commander of thin regimen- 
in place of KitterBtabl, now a General, j To the man 
from whom he lock Ihe big jai-'s ha', and cJoafc] Here, 
lellow, take tbese ragH. [ jf'o strcanl who has Rittir 
stahl's hat and cloak'^ Give me my own cloak, eword 
and hat. [Pats them onj. Now I feel liSe mjself 
again. [Drawing back]. Madam, if ihat gentleman 
l8 jour hu-^band, I have nothing farther to say to 
you. I 'I'o Major Mayer '^. Msjor, there is a large open 
common wesi of the town ; Uy off a place there for 
the camp. Make every neceeisary arrangement for 
staying here a week. 

Ma JOB Mates — .Yes. frir. [ He goes offY 

M&i. SwEKLis [Uaving Albtrt\—M.^ atar Anthony, 
I begin to recognize you now. 

Mb, Sweblin [to Mr. Wetzel] — Commissary, see 
that the men have an abundant oapply of fresh pro- 
visions, and provide a keg of wine lor each company 
every day. 

Me. Wetzel — I will see to it. 

Out ideb — Hurrah for Baron Swerlin 1 

Mb. SviEBLiN mience tbere. You act as if yon 
bad never been properly fed before. 

KiTrLE-THAL — V — n the fellow's impudence. 
That is a hit at me. | Aloud ] But, Baroc — 

Me, Sweblin — No objections. We will talk over 
the expense this evening, 

Mb8 Sweblin [rusMvg up] — Oh, my beloved An- 
thony 1 

Mb. Bweelin [pushing her ftacTcj — Wait, Madam, 
till I have given my oriers. [Litut, Carmcny comes 
up and gives a Utter. ] 

Lieut. CABivioifz — A letter from General Marten- 
8^in for Baron Sw^rliu. 

Mb. Sweblin [operdng and reading the letter] — 
Beturn to General Martenatein, and tell bioa I will 
stay here a week. I should be glad to have him 
dine with me Thursday next, and in the evening we 
'Will have a ball in his honor, if the good ladies of 
the town will favor us with their presence. 

Ladies cf Wkdding Pab-tt — Oh, how nice I 

Mbs. Sweblin [rushivg up ajain and throwing htr 
arms round his neck and kissing him] —Oh, Aatuony, 
I can't tell you how rejoiced I am at your return 
alive and well, I always knew you would be a great 
man if you only had a chance. 

Mb Sweblin — Paymaster f ohr, pay the men up 
when you get fixed in camp as far as the funds will 
go. I want the regiment to have a good time here. 

Mb Fohb — Yes, Baron. 

Mbs. Sweblin [to Albert]— yih&t do you mean by 
hanging round here? 

Mb. Sweblin— I thought you said he was your 
husband. 

Mb8. Sweblin — He deceived me. He swore yoa 
'were dead, and he attanded yoar funeral. Ha 
ought to be arret tad for perjury. 

Mb. Sweblin— Did he swear that 7 



Mrs. Sweblin - Yes ; I have the affidavit all 
signed and sealed by the villnin. 

Me Sweblin [to some ff muerstahl's suite] . Here, 
you fellows, tie ibis scowndrel to yonder nee, and 
give hion forty stripes, well laid on. [ They seise him 
and iiarl away wi'h him ] 

laixERjTAHL-Stop 1 i-'top 1 Thatwon'tdo He 
has nit violattd the military law. You would get 
me into trouble. Anthony, you have carried your 
joke far enough. Mudam, I am Baron Eitterslabl, 
commander of the regiment, and Anthony Swerlin 
is my servant. Anthony, jou can take off' yourtraj - 
pings and go aid countermand jour orders. 

Kb). t-WEBLiN - Oh, Anthony, how could you de. 
ceive me so ; but I will still be your wife. 

Me Sweblin — -Excuse me, miidam. I will reea 
list. I tjud more peace in the wars. 

Mbs SwiBLiN— My dear Albert, let us leave this 
unpleasaut scene. 

Albeex Pardon me, madamo, I am afraid your 

husband might turn up Buroa Swerlin again. 

Mbs. Sweblin — 'J, what shall I do for a tu-iband ? 

[Faints. | 
Miss Green (omes forward, 

IVis Gesen — l>idut 1 tell you so 1 

SCENE IV Mbs. Sweblin's house; MAsaAEET 

with babe ; Mbs. Sweblin. 

Mes. Sweblin- -U is a pretiy babe. 

MAEQaBET — It does not look like a child of sin, 

Mb3 Sweblin — It is as pure as an angel. 

Mabqabst — ind is condemned to ai^g^ace here 
and to p^raition hereafter, 

Mbs Sweblin— Prof. Eaust will marry you and 
make it all right. 

Maegabb-t— I fear I shall never see him again, 

Mbs. bWEELiN He told Albert that he intended t) 

take you to Italy to live there. 

Maeoaeet — But how take me ? He dare not come 
back. 

Mbs. Swerlin— He can come in disguise. In 
yoar new home the people will know nothing of 
your past ; you can be hapijy there. 

Mabgaeet -Happy? Can be give me back my 
mother? Can he restore my brother to life? Can 
he prevent scandal irom following my daughter? 
Look 1 yonder is the spirit of my Ojusin Birbara. 

Mbs. Sweblin- There is nothing there ; it is only 
fancj . 

Mabgaret —Do you not gee het ? 

Mbs. Sae ilin- Whore ? 

Mabgaeet —There ; in this room. She holds out 
her arms to me. Birbara, pardon me tor heiicating 
to come to you ; It is only because Martha said yoa 
was not here. I love you as much as ever. 

[Mxrgaret goes to the oth r side of th". ream, operas her 
armi and clos^ s them in ihe embi ace of an imoginory 
person till she brings t'um. to her own body, and Ihea 
stirts in asionishnunt a', rot fiudi-g anything in her 
a^nis She looks around as if to see where she has gone, 
aid. seeing nothing looks up. She then catches at some 
thing a')ove with he hand, as if it were a fly, aid says, 
1 havt- caught ner though she thougt t she had es- 
caped me. [She opens her hand cautious'y as if to see 
somethir,g like afly, ani aids] mo, 1 aia net cati n 
her. Well, shs tjis gone, [Looking at Mrs. Swer- 
lin, who stares at her J 

Mabgaeet— Do you think I am crazy ? 

Me J. sswiBLiN — No Why do you ask ? 

Maegaesi — Bo netimes I imagine that I am real 
happy, bu( that I am subject to crazy fiis, and then 
I have all kinds of horrid vialons. Did you know 
my mother ? 

MRi. Sweblin— Lcok at me, Margaret, I am your 
cousin Martha, 



22 



M/snGAEKT 'Marthi. Tes, Xhave hsard that name 

hafore. I draimed I had a brother Valwntinfi, and 
ha said shockiDS; things 'o Martha. £ dreamed that 
he was so good to m=j and go proud of me till tbe 
list time ha saw me. 

Me?. SwEBLiN [asUe] -Alas! Her wits have stfrely 

Mabojbet —And they Pay thera is anctber world 
wH'iir good people will be hippy. I mast wend tiiis 
little inuoceut there. I coald uon be so m( an as to 
thro-.v bor into fuab a cruol world as tbis. 

Mb3. ^WEBLIN aargaret, Margaret, do you not 

pe ' u)-^ ? 

MiBGABET Yes, I see yoa. I dreamed that I had 

a cousin, and that she looked lite you. Sae was a 
gi od eoul and kept herself and everybody about her 
in fiouble. 
Mrsi. Sweelis -That's not altogether crazy. 
MAR»AEEr_8he supposed this wi» a country 
Where «h8 could live lespaciablj, without t-ampling 
down other people. Poijr soul I she was tampied 
down herself. And now, I fancy I see her here, bog- 
King me to put my darling girl where she will be 
t ampled down in her turn. 

Mks. 8WEBLIN — Do not talk so, Margaret. 
MAEGiBET — .Ves, that is tie truth. I aia not 
criizy on that point. I apoSe w ti Henry about it, 
and he told me sn himself. He would n< t l^>ll a 
lie ; he never did. There was never a truer, nob'er 
man. He said that the world is full of shams, ahtim 
government, eham philosophy, sham pleasure, sham 
religion and sham virtue. The nobles imagine that 
their happioess depends upia beeping themaliit ide 
in serfdom ; tae rich men hate the idea of rai^iag the 
poor out of abject poverty ; the prieats are horrified 
at popular education, and morali^t^ of reputition 
tell us that there must be oomm(.>n women to pre- 
Herve the geaeral chastity. As if the misery of the 
many wore neonesary ti>T the hiDOiress of the i^iW. 
Huoh are tie horrible sho.ms t lac rule the world. 
Tiiey mean well ; t ley believe tneir own nonsense ; 
but I hey are fooUah. All men are brothers, and 
ihcy mujt share tlie eievatioa or degradat on of oaa 
another. They must all ri;-e to^tther, before the 
highest happiness of wiiich they are capible can ba 
reached. That i* what H-iory told me. He said 
miry sublime things. Sometimes I felt as if his 
conversation lifted me up into the skies. la the 
next world, there are no Bhiims, That is the place 
for soy lit le girl. 

Mrs. tiwEELiiv' She will get there in the proper 

time. 

MAEQ4EET — Yea; and I wlU sop tiat the proper 
ttUiC comes very soon. 

Mrs. 8WEBLIK — Yju do not mean to murder her ? 

Maegaeet — Thai's 3,1 ugly word ; bat worda do 

not scare me. No ; I will not murder. I will only 

iranspiaist a pure soul from a base to a higher 

sphere of existence. I oannos murdar the soul ; but 

I can release It from a debasing clod. It rs my duty 

to proside for the happiness of this angel, and it 

must be f^ojie —and it must be soon, yes. soon. 

Mrs. SwERLiN- Mjrgaret, look at me 1 

Maegaeei — I see you. You are lite the figures in 

my dreams. Just as if you were not a ghoot. The 

► plrits look real, and the bodies like wpe tres. 

Bomft rises I pinch myself to fee whfther I am 

awake ; bat then I see frightful vieioas. I will talk 

to you as if you were a real person. 

Mrs. SwEBliiN — Your unpleasant dreams will soon 
be gone. You will live in an orange grova in Italy, 
and tie sun will shine there every day, 

Maeqaeet— That will be delightful ; that is, if 
Htnry will be with me. 



Mrs. SwEEoiiT — Henry will nevar leave you any 
more. 

Maegaeet— I shall then be EatiaSed. 

Mbs. SwEBLiN— 8o you will go to your Henry in 
ItaV? ? 

Mabgabet — Yes ; I ava always ready to go with 
him, but I csiBnot take this darlins? along. 

Mrs S jyERLiN — Yes, Italy will be the place for her, 
too. 

Maegisst— No, not even Italy is good enough for 
her. I must send her to a Vjatier laud. Sut how? 
Poor thing. t3U me how. Shall I choke you? No, I 
cannot. A knife? No, horrid thought, away I Tha 
ditch? Yes, that is 1 10 plaoa. The water is cool 
and pleasant. I;.'s dirty, but it will not staia your 
eoul. Lst me go niw and finish it while I feel 
haop7 ] Ri ini ani going to the door'^. ^ 

MB=i. SwEiiLiP? — .-^.top Margaret, you shall not. 

Maegakst Shall not ? H)W, spoctrs, do you sup- 
pose you can stop me? I would beat down all tlie 
furie-i in hell. [S'izing a brui^h and striking Mrs. 
Smerlin, uho falls, she rushes out ] 
SCENE V— Night, in front of Miegaeet's prison. 
FaUsT, afterward-' ALBtET. 

Faust I have rtturi e i at the risk of my life to 
take Margai-et away troni this horrid town. I 
wonder whether Albert received lay letter 
rtiiueGtiDg him to meet me here to-night 
with counterfeit keys. Ha wrote me thet she was 
arrested for murdering her child — -ny child — and 
that was t le oiily notice I had of its birth. In her 
bitter ngony I was absent. It was her misfortune to 
love Faast. There cornea somebody. \Hewithdraws 
to one side ] 

Albert [entering | — This is a hopeless case. Who's 
J here ? 

Fau.t [cominy Jorwarl and shiking hands\ — Yoa 
are here on time. 

Albest — I do not like your rt turn to this unfor- 
tunare olace. 

Fau T — Unfortunate, indeed, it is. I fancy that 
every housetop is covered with grinning devils, 
ready to tortiie me. 

Albert — Why did you come? You can do no 
gocid. You could hardly escane from the police be. 
fore ; anS it was folly to run tae risk again lor the 
sake of seeing a crazy womm. 

FATJtT — Is fhe crazy now? 

Albebt — They say she is completely gone. 

Faust a^r troubles have been enough to drive 

anybody to the mad-house. 

ALBEBT—She thinks her baby is alive yet. She 
has made a doU out of an old poftiooa', hugs It, 
sings to it, cal's it her little Henrieita, laughs, then 
scolds it as the cause of all hsr misery, chokes it 
and tails it to die, says it is wicked, and not good 
enough t ) live among such pious people as there are 
in Tannwald. A.tter talsitig that way awhile, she 
tfjrowa it down and says it la dead, and bega the 

Jailor to bury it bury it ao deep that it can never 

burrow its way out to persecute her. She does not 
know her old friends, and the Jailor is mean enough 
to say that she is only playing crazy to escape pun- 
ishmeat. 

Faust —He is a wretch. Did ehe really kill her 
child ? 

ALBERT Oh yes. No mistake about that. 8he 

knociieu down Mra. Swerlin, who tried to prevent 
her. It is of no use for yoa to expect any satiefao- 
tion from talking with her. 

Faust I have come to take her away with me. 

Albebx — Take ber with you ? You may as well 
give up that Idea. You could not take away a sane 



23 



man without being caugbt, miiob less a cmzy 
one. 

Faust — I will try it. 

Albert —Failure is Inevitable. 

F^v-T —1 talse the chances. 

ALBEET— If you are caught, your life will pay the 
forfeit. 

Faust — The risk rloea not frighten me Iq the 
least. I proinisea Margaret that ehe should Phsra 
my fate, and a thouiacd deaths should not make me 
break my word. 

Albebt — 'Ate is sweet to every one, 

FausT— Not to me. Death for Margate t's sake has 
no terrors. My sina are so horrible, that they cry 
out for some atonement. I always thought I was 
good, and yet see what criiies are heaped on my 
bead. I dishonored and deserted ona of the best 
women that ever lived, and for the sake of dishonor- 
ing her with impuaity, I murdered her mother and 
her brother. I drove her crazy and am respoasibla 
for the death of tier child, which she drowned. 
Did tfie most cruel tyrant, the fleroest savage, the 
mos; ferocious outlaw, ever inflict such misery on 
his worst enemy as I did on the woman whom 
I loved more than lite itself ? What are breaking on 
the wheel, roasting over a slow fire, the worst tor- 
tares of the Inquisition, the reUnemsttj of supersti- 
tious or political hate. -what are they all compared 
to au agony of months like Margaret's? And lam 
the cause of all. A monster could not leave tfer in 
peace ; but fate shall not rob me of the satisfaction 
of being true to her. With her I will live or with 
her I will die. In my distress, I still have command 
over death, the mighty spirit who by a beck can 
sweep away all the scenes of misery. ¥<«, death is 
still my friend, my protsctor. The earti ia my 
loving mother, and she has promised me that when- 
ever I wish for perfect rest I have only to return to 
hor bosom. Q-ood mother, I may soon corns home. 
I have no fear of your embrace. 

Albebt -This ia no time for lamentation or phi- 
losophy. I have the counterfeit keys, and if you in- 
tend to use them to take Mirgaret out o° prison, you 
must be quick about it. 

Faust — -Uight. I am grateful for your assistance. 

I will go alone into the prison and you stay out^ide. 

Whatever becomes of me, take care of yourself. If 

you hear any noise, you must escape. 

SOSNE V[.— Prison. Faust, Marsaret, afterward 

ALBEBT. Faust unlocks the door. It opens 

with a harsh noise. Mabgabet trembles and 

crouches down. Faust enters. 

Fau^t — What a loathsome place ! Hiw damp the 
air, how foul the smell! How different from her 
cheerful chamber.-thd perfection of neatness and 
cleanness. This Is the punishment of loving too 
much. I wonder where she is. Hist, Margaret I 
She mu'it be asleep. Margaret I Margarpt, ! 

MA'RGAitBiT \ rising to her knees ani looking her hands 
in supplication \ — I'alie pity oa me. 1 am not ready 
to die. 

Faust— Do not make a noise. I have come to set 
you frpe. 

MABGiKET [rmre^f to her feet] — Oan't you let me 
live till morning ? It is hard enough to be hanged 
in tie daytime. Let me live a few hours more. I 
am too young to die. I was pretty, too, and that 
was my ruin. My love has deserted me, and left 
me tT snff'^r alone. 

Faujt [taking her arm) — Oome, Margaret. I am 
your loving Henry. I will save you. 

Margabet- T ju hurt my arm. Are you going to 
d,rag me to the scaffold ? Have you no mercy ? Whab 
barm did I ever do to you? 



Faust Hoavens 1 what mi.iery I 

Margaret— I know that you are going to kill me; 
but do not be in such a hurry. Give me my child 
again. Lot me suckle it once more ; only once. I 
held it in my arms all night, and then they came 
and took it away. They wanted to make me miser- 
able. It was Buch a dear little thing. And now 
tbey say I murdered it. I shall never be happy any 
more. 

Faust Margaret I Margaret, do come away. 

Maegabet — O ! if I must die, let me pray once 
more. I have forgotfen the prayers that my mother 
taught me. [Kneeling ] O, Jesus ! O, my Savior 1 
(J, Thou Man ot Borrow I pardon the sins of the un- 
happiest woman that ever was born, and let me 
meer. my Henry and my baby in heaven I Amen. 
[Getting up \ I am ready to go with you now. Be 
quicii about it. I want to die while that prayer is 
fresh in my heart. 

Faust I am not the hangman ; I am your Henry. 

Mabgaret — That's his voice, Henry, my Henry. 
I have you at last ; I am free. All my suffering is 
gone. All my pain is past. I will be happy again. 
I will hang on your neck. I will eit on your knee. 
I will enjoy your sweet converse. You have oome 
to save me. 

Fau3t Yes, love ; let us go quick. 

Maegabet O, tell me that you are still my 

Henry. Where is all the agony of the prison? What 
do I care now for thair chaias? I remember the 
time when I first met you. How noble you loolted. 
I could not help loving you. [She kisses him.\ 

Faust— Let us escape iirst, and I will kiss you 
afterward. 

Margabet -You will not kiss me? Have yon for- 
gotten? You were not away so long. I am half 
afraid of yuu. If you don't love me any more tell 
the hangman to come. 

Faust -Indeed, I love you. Will you not oome 
with me? 

MiKGARST — 4re you not afraid to go with me ? 
Do you Know what I have done ? 

Fau t Yes, yes ; I love you more than ever. 

Maegabet I murdered my mother, I drowned 

my child, I disgraced my friends. You are too 
good to go with such a woman. What's this on 
youv hand? It's wet. Wipe it off It's blood. 
Good God, what have you done? Put up your 
sword, I beg you. 

Faust — Margaret, you wring my heart. Let us 
forget the past. 

Mak'3aeet_Y6S, we will forget the past. You 
must stiy here and bury me. 1 will tell you about 
my grave. You must see that it is made right ; at- 
tend to it to-morrow. Give my mother the best 
place ; put Valentine at her side and me a lit:le way 
off, with my baby at my right breass. Nobody else 
would libe to lie near me. We will meet again, but 
not in Martha's garden. 

Fau-t Qaicb, quick ; it will be too late to escape. 

Margabet— Don't hurry me ; the hangman will 
come soon enough. 

Faust — O. that I had never been born. [A shot is 
heard outside ] 

ALBERT [staggering in andf ailing]— QaicTs. I Lock 
the door ; the eolioe are here. 

Fau.st [locking the door] —Are you much hurt? 

Albebc— A few minutes will finish me. Before I 
die let me confess my only treachery to you. Slack 
gave me money to bribe the Sscretary of the Coun. 
cil for a refusal to your petition. But for that it 
would have been granted. We thought it was your 
interest as well as Qurs that you should be a Car- 
dinal, Forgive me. 



24 



S'AtliT- Tbfit little error of Judgment was the 
cause of all Mo.rgaret'8 suffering and mice. Poor 
fellow. I pardon you. 

Albert It's all over. \He falls hack and dies.] 

FAUsT_He'8 gone. Anctier death adaed to my 
long eccounS. 

Mabgabet Look, Henry look at f^e SDPctre of 

that (:camp Helfenstein. | He^femtein appears in the 
clouds as a spectre in a ronvid aress and diains. with a 
rope round his neck, lei by one devil and folio ned by 
another, with a trident marching down over rocks to a 
place of flames.] St^e Slack, who seduced Barbara. 
[Slack appears as a spectre, led by a devil and followed 
by another devil. \ 

Faust I eau not curse any but myself I pity 

them. \ Those spectres disappear. \ 

Mabgabet —See, here are other spectres. Who 
are they? Ttiey are so dim, I cannot recoeniza 
them. [Tlie spectre of Barbara dressed in white ap- 
pears, marching upward in the clouds to a bright castle 
in the sky. and beckoning to Margaret ] Tee, Barbara, 
I shall come, [ The spectre of Mrs. Hartz appears fol- 
lowing Barbara ] My motber ! my sainttd mother 1 
Do you beckon me? Spe.tre nods | Do you forsive 
me ? [Spectre nods.] Do you still love me ? [Spectre 



nods ] Oh ! I am so hsopy 1 sh«tl come. [ Vhe 
spectre of Va'entine appears after the others.] 

Mabgabet _Mv brother Valentine. Do you bechon 
to me, too? [(Spectre nods] Have you forao't-'n 
your cruel words? [Spectre nods ] You still love 
me ? [Spectre nods ] I am coming. 

[An angel appears carrying a child.] 

Mabgabet— My darling Henrietta 1 i ook, Hfury; 
you never saw her. [Margaret falls on her knees ] 
My child ! my child ! do you want me, coo? Hho 
smiles ; she beckons t3 me, too 1 li6t us go, Henry, 
quicK ! 

Faust They did not beckon to me. They do not 

■want me. ] 'Ihe spectres all stret h out their arrm. ] 

Mabgabet — Yes ; they want us both. 

\A noise is heard at the door The spectres difap.' 
pear The door is broken opm The police come in ] 

Faust There is no escape now but in death, and 

I shall not leave that to the vulgar execotioner. 
The miseries of poor Margarft and her wretched 
sedacer have at last come to an end. We shall find 
that peace in the grave and which we Poaght in vain 
on earth. [Draws his sword and kills Margaret J 
Dear Det-t"), protect me 1 \Kills himsef.] 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



016 103 643 2 



